Samsung Galaxy Note 3 release date, news and rumours

With the Samsung Galaxy S4 now out of the way the door has been thrown open for the Korean firm's other high-end smartphone to get a reboot in the form of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

Rumours are circulating about Samsung's next super-sized handset, suggesting it's going to get even bigger - even though the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 raised eyebrows with its larger size.

Samsung executive J.K. Shin has confirmed the existence of the Galaxy Note 3, revealing it will feature a non-flexible 5.9-inch OLED display.

Samsung Kazakhstan has also slipped up, accidentally revealing the Galaxy Note 3 on its official website alongside the Galaxy Z4 Zoom and Galaxy Tab 3 10.1.

We're constantly on the look out for Galaxy Note 3 news and you'll be able to find all the latest right here. You lucky things.

Announcement and release date

In terms of a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 release date the trail is pretty cold at the moment with "later this year" all we have to go on for now.

If previous iterations of the handset are anything to go by we can expect Samsung to uncover the third generation Galaxy Note smartphone towards the end of August, in the run up to IFA 2013 in Berlin.

Samsung executive J.K. Shin has said the Note 3 will arrive at IFA in September, although we're still waiting on an official comment from Samsung itself.

This would mean that the Galaxy Note 3 would probably hit stores around October if previous cycles are maintained - but given the Samsung Galaxy S4 emerged earlier this year, could the same trick be repeated for the Note 3?

A separate report suggests something rather different however, tipping the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 release date for July or August - although we'd be surprised if the Korean firm didn't wait for IFA in September.

Update: We now have a tentative Samsung Galaxy Note 3 release date ofSeptember 4 - two days before the IFA conference in Berlin opens. This falls on one of the media days before the event, so seems to make sense as a potential launch date.

More than a pretty penny in price

You can expect the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 to carry a hefty price tag, probably in line with the Galaxy S4 - making it more expensive than its Chinese rivals the ZTE Grand Memo and the Huawei Ascend Mate.

The Note 3 will probably set you back at least £550 (around $800/AU$770) give or take, plus there will be regional variances too.

Does the screen need to get bigger?

Although exact specs are still unknown the general consensus seems to suggest that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will sport an even bigger screen than its 5.5-inch predecessor.

Early reports pointed towards a whopping 6.3-inch display, which would see the handset dwarf the 6.1-inch Ascend Mate and 5.7-inch Grand Memo.

Other sources have claimed that the Galaxy Note 3 could actually pack a slightly more modest 5.9-inch AMOLED screen.

We thought Samsung may have let the cat out of the bag on its own website after listing a smartphone accessory compatible with screens from "4- to 6.3-inches", potentially hinting at a massive display bump for the Note 3 - although with the announcement of the Galaxy Mega 5.8 and Galaxy Mega 6.3 this is now less likely.

Screen size, then, remains a mystery but that's not the only quandary we have regarding the display on the Galaxy Note 3. Oh no, there are now reports suggesting it will be the first phone to sport a flexible OLED display.

Samsung did show off such a display at CES 2013 - although it wasn't part of a phone at the time and we reckon there's still some way to go before it's ready to hit our handsets, but it certainly gives us food for thought - especially now there are reports that Samsung is mulling three designs, one of which includes a flexible option.

We're also hearing that the Galaxy Note 3 may actually pack a 5.99-inch, Full HD display - although this news has come from unknown "inside sources".

Could this be Samsung replacing the Note range, or adding more feathers to its super-sized cap?

With JK Shin "confirming" the existence of the Galaxy Note 3, the Samsung exec is also reported revealing the 5.9-inch OLED display the super sized handset will pack.

Update: The 6-inch screen size gets another shout out as part of an image leak on Twitter, with @punkpanda noting the screen was "accounting for 84%" of the front of the device.

The operating system conundrum

We can be pretty sure that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will roll up running Google's Android platform, but which particular version that will be is not so black and white.

Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie is expected to be announced at Google's IO event in May, potentially alongside the Nexus 5 - which would put the Note 3 in the running to also launch with the latest version of the software.

However if history has taught us anything it's that assuming is for fools - as we've seen numerous handsets launched with older versions of Android - but the Note 2 was one of the first handsets from Samsung to launch withJelly Bean, so perhaps a Key Lime Pie device isn't so unlikely.

The latest reports now point towards the Note 3 running Android 4.3 - an updated version of Jelly Bean which may arrive at Google IO ahead of a delayed Key Lime Pie.

Specs

The big screen won't be the only feature Samsung will want to shout about though, as you can expect the Galaxy Note 3 to be packing some serious tech under the hood.

It could be another industry leading handset (the Note 2 was the most powerful smartphone when it launched) with reports suggesting it will follow in the footsteps of the Galaxy S4 with a ridiculous octo-core chip.

As this device will fall into Samsung's "Note" family you can expect the fabled S-Pen to make another appearance here as it looks to rub shoulders with the Galaxy Note 8.0 and Galaxy Note 10.1.

According to Android Geeks a software engineer has spilled the beans on the S Orb camera feature which is apparently destined to debut on the Galaxy Note 3, after reports earlier this year suggested it would arrive on the Galaxy S4.

The usually reliable SamMobile has also had its say on the Note 3, with its own "inside sources" claiming the handset will be the most powerful in the world with a octa-core processor, eight-core GPU, 3GB of RAM, 5.99-inch Full HD display and a 13MP rear camera.

There's been further leaks surrounding that 13MP camera, with news claiming the snapper will sport optical image stabilisation tech, which will apparently give traditional cameras a run for their money.

Update: The suggestion of 3GB of RAM has been given another boost by a second source "confirming" the memory of the Note 3.

Apparently the Galaxy Note 3 will measure 8mm in thickness and weigh in at 183g, so slimmer than the Galaxy Note 2, but pretty much the same weight.

Plastic or metal?

Many were hoping the Samsung Galaxy S4 would see the Korean firm change its way when it came to chassis construction - ditching the plastic for a fancier metallic finish, but alas this wasn't the case.

The whole plastic vs metal debate isn't over though and now rumours are suggesting the Galaxy Note 3 could well sport a hard alloy case.

SamMobile sources reckon the HTC One has "worried" Samsung, leading the manufacturer to consider a new material for the Note 3.

We've also seen an image slip out online claiming to show the metallic body of the Galaxy Note 3 and a completely new design language for Samsung - although we're not overly convinced by this.

Credit: @evleaks

Those hoping Samsung will pull out some premium materials for the Galaxy Note 3 may have their dreams dashed as inside sources claim the handset will follow in the footsteps of the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S3 in terms of design.

More images of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 have surface, this time showing off a rounder handset which bears more of a resemblance to the Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S4.

credit: Weibo

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Galaxy Note 3 and Samsung smart watch to arrive Sep. 4, says Korean press

The annual IFA show in Berlin, Germany is usually pretty significant for Samsung. In 2010 it's where the company showed off its first Android tablet, the original Galaxy Tab. And for the past two years it's seen the launch of both Galaxy Note devices, as well as new classes of product like the Galaxy Camera.

And this year Samsung may continue the trend, if reports from South Korea's Asia Economic are to be believed. The publication reports that the third Galaxy Note handset will be announced at a gathering in Berlin on Sep. 4, two days ahead of IFA opening its doors to the public. What's more, Samsung may use the same event to launch its smart watch, the existence of which was confirmed by a company executive back in March. The report points out that a September unveiling would allow Samsung to get its product into the public eye before competing wearables from the likes of LG, Google and Apple appear.

As for the Galaxy Note 3, Asia Economic reports that a 5.7-inch AMOLED panel will be used in the device -- a small bump up from the 5.5-inch Note 2 display -- as well as a "new" Exynos 5 Octa CPU and 3 gigabytes of RAM. If accurate, that'd make Samsung's new hybrid device a formidable beast in terms of both size and specs.

We'll be live in Berlin for IFA next month, so be sure to stick around for all the show's Android-related developments.

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Samsung GEAR smartwatch, Galaxy Note III tipped for September 4 reveal

Sources revealed that Samsung is planning to hold an event on September 4 in Berlin to unveil not only the Galaxy Note III but also the rumored smartwatch that is currently called Samsung GEAR. This event would coincide with with the start of the IFA trade show also in Berlin.

The Samsung Galaxy Note III has been steeped in rumors as it gets closer to the anticipated launch date. Recently, we were treated to some leaked photos showing the internals of Samsung’s next S Pen-powered phablet. Rumored hardware included a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display, 13 megapixel camera with Xenon flash, and a dedicated camera button.

Samsung has also been rumored to be working on a smartwatch, partially confirmed by trademark filings made last month. The filings were filled with keywords related to watches as well as the name “GEAR”. If the launch information pans out, we will be seeing this mysterious device for the first time next month.

There has been very few details regarding the rumored Samsung GEAR, but if it will be launched together with the Galaxy Note III, it is probable that there will be some special mode of interaction between the two devices. It could mean that the GEAR will be something like Pebble which acts as a secondary device to provide quick and easy access to the smartphone without having to pull it out of a pocket or a bag

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Samsung Galaxy S2 to remain on 4.1.2 due to problems with TouchWiz

The future might not be that bright for what was once Samsung‘s impressive flagship devices, contrary to an earlier leak. If this new information is to be believed, the Samsung Galaxy S2 will not be receiving an upgrade to Android 4.2.2 and will hence be stuck with 4.1.2.

Earlier this year, a pre-list was leaked indicating which Samsung devices will be getting upgrades to which Android versions. The list included, under the section for 4.2.2 updates, the Galaxy S2 as well as the Galaxy Note. Both devices have already enjoyed a rather long upgrade journey from Android 2.3.6 to 4.0.4 to 4.1.2. Naturally, owners were overjoyed at the thought of once again getting updates for these devices.

But as with any pre-release information, things may not go as intended. It seems that adjustment problems in Samsung’s custom TouchWiz interface has left the manufacturer with no choice but to scrap that plan and keep the Galaxy S2 on its current Android version. The Galaxy S2 Plus, on the other hand, was confirmed to get a 4.2.2 update soon.

This might not actually be that surprising in a world that churns out new smartphone models almost every year, leaving older models to bite the dust. Motivation to update these devices might also not be that high considering the recently released Galaxy S4, which spawned a whole series of S4 devices, and a soon to be released Galaxy Note III. But still, despite the fact that 4.2.2 was not really a huge update, this news might still disappoint some people.

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Samsung Galaxy Note III internals seen in leaked photos

With the expected September 4 announcement looming over the horizon, the Internet is brimming with rumors and speculations regarding Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Note III. Thanks to some leaked photos, we now have a first glimpse of the innards of Samsung‘s next Galaxy Note phablet.

While prototype photos leaked by C Technology don’t give much in the way of additional information, it is the first time that the public is treated to a look inside the device’s internals. The Galaxy Note 3 is speculated to have a 5.7-inch HD Super AMOLED display. It will also pack Qualcomm’s quad-core Snapdragon 800, giving it clock speeds of up to 2.3 GHz.

Other anticipated features coming from leaks include a 13 MP camera with Xenon Flash and a possible dedicated camera button. The Galaxy Note III is expected to come with 3 GB of RAM and Android 4.2.2, although it is hoped that, with the announcement of Android 4.3, an upgraded will be made available soon after its release. There has also been talk of improved S Pen functionality though details on that are scarce.

The photo leak comes at the heels of the confirmation that Samsung has upgraded it’s current Note phablet, the Galaxy Note II. Released only in China, the new Galaxy Note II will be housing a Snapdragon 600 to support China Mobile’s networks. Unfortunately, there is no word about the worldwide availability of this new model and will probably only be limited to China considering that the Galaxy Note III will soon be released.

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The best Android phones of 2013

Last year's phones were great, don't get us wrong. Who could forget the HTC One X, the first Android handset with a quad-core processor? Or the nature-inspired Samsung Galaxy S3?

But it's about time that we make a new list of the best Android phones released in 2013, and talk about some exciting devices that are rumored to be released in the coming months.

So far, 2013 has been an absolute whirlwind for Android. There are a lot of great phones worthy of being called “the best” out there, and we know that more are on the way (Nexus 5, anyone?) so we will update this piece accordingly.

But we also know that there can be only one. So without further ado, meet the current contenders to the title of best Android phone of 2013.

HTC One

If you're looking for reasons why you shouldn’t upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy S4 — or purchase any other phone, for that matter — we can give you at least one. The HTC One is, by far, the absolute best Android phone that HTC has ever created, and it's a serious contender for the title of best smartphone of 2013. It's also a symbol of HTC's fight for survival.

HTC One specs

• Display: 4.7-inch Super LCD3, Full HD (1920×1080 pixels), 469 ppi
• Camera: 4MP auto-focus camera with LED flash (1080p video recording)
• SoC: 1.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 CPU, Adreno 320 GPU
• Memory: 32GB/64GB internal storage (no microSD support), 2GB RAM
• OS: Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, upgradeable to Android 4.2.2
• Battery: 2,300mAh battery (non-removable)

We have to admit, the HTC One doesn't exactly scream “best Android phone ever” on paper. Some of its features might even make it look a bit underwhelming: “4 megapixel camera?” But don't let the appearances fool you.

The HTC is anything but underspec'ed. It's actually one of the more feature-rich handsets launched so far this year, especially when it comes to the camera. It also offers a unique homescreen experience courtesy of an app called HTC BlinkFeed, which may or may not be useful depending on how you use your phone. The stereo speakers, part of the BoomSound sound system, are another highlight of the HTC One.

The bottom line is, in a sea of Android lookalikes, the HTC One easily stands out.

HTC One review and image gallery

Google Nexus 4

LG pretty much gets a free pass to be on this list because of its status as maker of the current flagship Nexus smartphone from Google. And it doesn't hurt that it did a really great job with it, too. The Nexus 4 is one of the most in-demand Android phones out on the market because it offers a no-frills “stock” Android experience, one that won't leave users annoyed with bloatware and scrambling for ways to flash a custom ROM. It's also very cheap, if you get it from the Play Store

Nexus 4 specs

• Display: 4.7-inch IPS+, HD (1280×720 pixels), 318 ppi
• Camera: 8MP auto-focus camera with LED flash (1080p video recording)
• SoC: 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro, Adreno 320 GPU
• Memory: 8GB/16GB internal storage (no microSD support, 2GB RAM
• OS: Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, upgradeable to Android 4.2.2
• Battery: 2,100mAh battery (non-removable)

Another thing that makes the Nexus 4 a must-have is the fact that it gets Google-issued Android software updates faster than any other handset you can buy right now, which is standard operating procedure for all of Google's Nexus devices. There are some who find the Nexus 4′s lack of support for microSD cards disappointing, but the good news is that Android — the default version of the operating system itself, that is — doesn't really take up too much space to begin with.

With all of that said, the Nexus 4 is clearly not the most powerful model that you can get your hands on. People tend to buy it more for the software, and rarely ever for the hardware. It even lacks an FMradio, but buying it can save you a bunch of money, and that's a good thing.

Google Nexus 4 review and image gallery

Samsung Galaxy S4

You can't have a list of the best Android smartphones of 2013 without what is currently considered by many as the undisputed king of all: the Samsung Galaxy S4. It has all of the features that made its predecessor, the Galaxy S3, a favorite, and ups the ante with a boatload of new and exciting features.

Samsung Galaxy S4 specs

• Display: 5-inch Super AMOLED, Full HD (1920×1080 pixels), 441 ppi
• Camera: 13MP auto-focus camera with LED flash (HDR + 1080p video recording)
• SoC: Exynos 5 Octa 5410 with PowerVR SGX 544MP3/Snapdragon 600 with Adreno 320
• Memory: 16GB/32GB/64GB internal storage + microSD (up to 64GB), 2GB RAM
• OS: Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean
• Battery: 2,600mAh battery (removable), 62 hrs. music, 17 hrs. talk

On top of all the TouchWiz standard features, there's also a number of exclusive software tricks, of which some can be life-changing while the rest are a bit gimmicky. Some users have argued that Samsung should have just left these software tricks out in favor of letting users enjoy all the extra storage space, but the die has been cast.

Some have been very vocal about their disappointment in the Galaxy S4′s apparently limited amount of internal storage (at least in the case of the base model), but we think that shouldn't stop you from purchasing this powerhouse.

Samsung Galaxy S4 review and image gallery

Sony Xperia Z

Sony has been making a lot of good moves in the Android universe lately, and users can't help but notice. But don’t call it a comeback, Sony has been here for years. The flagship Xperia Z is the product of the vast amount of knowledge and experience that Sony has acquired from working in the mobile industry for so long.

Sony Xperia Z specs

• Display: 5-inch TFT, Full HD (1920×1080 pixels), 441 ppi
• Camera: 13.1MP auto-focus camera with LED flash (HDR, 1080p video, sweep panorama)
• SoC: 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600, Adreno 320 GPU
• Memory: 16GB internal storage + microSD (up to 64GB), 2GB RAM
• OS: Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, upgradeable to Android 4.2
• Battery: 2,330mAh battery (non-removable), 40 hrs. music, 11 hrs. talk

As you can see, the Xperia Z is not just beautiful on the outside. With the kind of specs it has, it's quite beautiful on the inside as well. Its camera feature in particular is interesting, owing to its use of the exclusive Exmor RS sensor from Sony. And did we mention it's water-resistant, with the ability to survive a dip into up to one meter of water?

It may not be a Nexus, but Sony has promised to provide plenty of software support for users of the Xperia Z well into the future. In fact, it decided to create an Android Open Source Project for it last month, in order to show its commitment. Among other things, it fully works with the latest nightly builds of CyanogenMod as well.

Sony Xperia Z review and image gallery

LG Optimus G Pro

LG has been on a tear lately, managing to regain its footing and hold on to the third place in the world smartphone market, thanks to successful devices like the Nexus 4, Optimus G, and Optimus G Pro. The latter gives the Note 2 a serious run for its money, thanks to its large, crisp display and powerful internal components.

LG Optimus G Pro specs

• Display: 5.5-inch IPS LCD, Full HD (1920×1080 pixels), 401 ppi
• Camera: 13.1MP auto-focus camera with LED flash (HDR, 1080p video)
• SoC: 1.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600, Adreno 320 GPU
• Memory: 32GB internal storage + microSD (up to 64GB), 2GB RAM
• OS: Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, upgradeable to Android 4.2
• Battery: 3140mAh battery (non-removable), 15.5 hrs. talk

When we reviewed the Optimus G Pro, we were impressed with its beautiful display, which makes the Note 2 feel a bit dated. The design is modern, though some may take offense with the plastic, the cameras are excellent and the specifications are the best you can get at this moment.

The only caveat with the LG Optimus G Pro is its size – if you're used to the Note 2 or other similarly sized devices, it's okay, but for someone coming from an iPhone or an older Android, the size of the G Pro can be shocking.

LG Optimus G Pro review and image gallery

Asus Padfone Infinity

The Asus PadFone Infinity is probably the most unique device on our list. Asus’ idea to create a smartphone that turns into a tablet was received with skepticism, but the truth is the PadFone has huge potential. If only it was available in more countries.

Asus Padfone Infinity specs

• Display: 5-inch Super IPS+ LCD, Full HD (1920×1080 pixels), 441 ppi
• Camera: 13MP auto-focus camera with LED flash (HDR, 1080p video)
• SoC: 1.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600, Adreno 320 GPU
• Memory: 32GB/64GB internal storage, not expandable, 2GB RAM
• OS: Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
• Battery: 2400mAh battery (non-removable), 19hrs. talk

The Padfone Infinity's unique ability to become the brains of a tablet shell can be very compelling, but the phone itself is extremely appealing. It features specs that are as good as anything out there, the display is gorgeous, while the metal build give it a classy appearance. The device is expensive (especially if you want the full package, including the tablet and the keyboard dock) and hard to get by in Western markets, but if you do manage to buy it, it's certainly one of the best phones of 2013 so far.

Asus Padfone Infinity hands-on and image gallery

Upcoming and rumored smartphones

We are approaching the middle of 2013, and we’ve already seen some amazing Android smartphones launch. But more great Android phones are expected in the coming months, so we’ll be updating this list often.

For now, we’ll go through some of the leaks and rumors to get an image of the most exciting Android phones that will come out by the end of the year.

Google Nexus 5

There has been no shortage of rumors pertaining to the highly-awaited Google Nexus 5. We're not even sure yet of who will end up making it in the first place (LG seems a good candidate), but we've already got clues as to what kind of features it will bring to the table once it finally gets released.

The latest Google Nexus 5 rumor states that it will come fitted with a 4.5-inch screen that has a native resolution of 1280×720 pixels. It's also said to have a 9MP CCD camera as well as a 2,800mAh battery, which we think would be useful. But as always, it would be wise to take this information with a grain of salt.

LG Optimus G2

Like the other handsets in this section of the article, the LG Optimus G2 has been the subject of many rumors. It has been spotted in benchmark scores in the past, plus there's really no reason why it shouldn't exist, especially since the original — the LG Optimus G — is so popular. So what exactly are all the Optimus G2′s rumored features so far?

The LG Optimus G2 will reportedly come with a 5-inch Full HD screen, a Snapdragon 800 CPU and the latest version of Android pre-installed. So far, LG has managed to remain mum about it, so we can't tell you anything official yet. But we will, as soon as more info comes to light, so stay tuned.

Motorola X Phone

The Motorola X Phone — a.k.a. the Google X — is surely one of the most rumored Android-based Motorola handsets ever. But for something that gets talked about so much, we still know very little about it.

Some people don't even think that the Motorola X Phone is real. For those who do, the rumored specs include the following: a 4.8-inch screen with a resolution of 1280×720 pixels as standard, 2GB of user-available RAM, and Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. Whether or not it is able to live up to the expectation that all of the rumors have been setting it up for, we'll find out soon enough.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3

The thing about the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is that it's almost guaranteed to be a bigger, better, faster, and more powerful version of all of Samsung's current Galaxy smartphones combined. Based on information from the most recent Galaxy Note 3 rumors that have appeared online, we can tell you that it will be fitted with an Exynos 5 Octa CPU as well as a Mali-450 MP GPU, along with a 4.99-inch screen.

The current version of the Samsung Galaxy Note is, of course, already quite interesting enough. You can be sure that we'll  be all over its successor to tell you all about it once it finally arrives some time later this year.

Sony Honami

Honami is the codename for one of Sony's upcoming Android smartphones, rumored to be called officially as the Sony i1. The most interesting bit of info about it that we have so far is that it will be made with a focus on the camera feature, even carrying the old yet famous Cyber-shot brand, taken from another product owned by Sony.

It is said that the Sony Honami will be second only to the Nokia PureView 808 in terms of camera performance. That would make it something that's really worth looking forward to, if only to see what kind of output it would produce in the hands of a professional.

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