Samsung Galaxy SIII

Samsung Galaxy S III Review: The Android Flagship That Redefines Smartphones

The wait is finally over. After months of rumors, leaks, and endless speculation, Samsung has officially unveiled the Samsung Galaxy S III (I9300), the successor to the wildly successful Galaxy SII. Launched in May 2012, this smartphone is more than just a step forward in hardware. It’s a complete rethinking of how a phone should work with its user, featuring innovative software, a nature-inspired design, and cutting-edge performance that cements Samsung’s dominance in the Android space.

In this detailed review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy S III, including its design, specs, features, performance, camera, software, and comparisons with rivals like the iPhone 4S and HTC One X.

Design and Build: Inspired by Nature

Samsung has taken a different design approach this year. While the Galaxy S II had a more industrial look, the Galaxy S III is all about smooth curves and natural inspiration. Samsung says the design is “inspired by nature,” and you can see that in the rounded edges, slim profile, and pebble-like feel in hand.

At just 8.6mm thick and weighing 133g, it’s lightweight yet solid. The phone is available in Marble White and Pebble Blue at launch, with more colors expected later. The polycarbonate body may not feel as premium as glass or metal, but it makes the device durable and comfortable for daily use.

The real star of the design is the 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display. With a resolution of 1280 × 720 pixels, this is one of the sharpest and most vibrant screens on any smartphone to date. Blacks are deep, colors are punchy, and watching HD movies or playing games feels immersive. Compared to the 3.5-inch Retina Display of the iPhone 4S, the Galaxy S III offers significantly more screen real estate.

Samsung Galaxy S III Specs

Here’s a quick look at what powers the Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III:

• Display: 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED, 1280 × 720 pixels
• Processor: Exynos 4212 Quad (1.4 GHz quad-core Cortex-A9)
• GPU: Mali-400MP
• RAM: 1 GB
• Storage: 16/32 GB (expandable via microSD up to 64 GB)
• Camera: 8 MP rear (1080p video), 1.9 MP front
• Battery: 2100 mAh removable
• OS at Launch: Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich with TouchWiz Nature UX
• Connectivity: 3G/HSPA+, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, GPS, optional 4G LTE (region-dependent)

This is one of the first quad-core smartphones, giving Samsung a massive advantage in performance over many competitors still running dual-core chips.

Performance: Power Meets Efficiency

Powered by Samsung’s own Exynos quad-core processor clocked at 1.4 GHz, the Galaxy S III is blazing fast. Apps open instantly, multitasking is smooth, and gaming performance is among the best on any mobile device in 2012. The Mali-400MP GPU handles 3D graphics and HD video playback effortlessly.

In benchmarks, the Galaxy S III consistently outperforms rivals like the HTC One X and the iPhone 4S, proving Samsung’s claim that this phone is designed for those who demand speed and efficiency.

The 2100 mAh battery ensures you can get through a full day of heavy use,  browsing, streaming, and gaming,  without needing to recharge. For lighter users, stretching it into the second day is possible.

Camera: 8 MP Shooter with Smarter Features

The Galaxy S III continues Samsung’s tradition of strong smartphone cameras. It comes with an 8 MP rear camera capable of 1080p full HD video recording. The camera app is loaded with features like:

• Burst Shot: Take up to 20 photos in quick succession.
• Best Shot: The phone picks the best photo out of a series.
• Zero Shutter Lag: Capture photos instantly without delay.
• HDR and Panorama Modes for creative photography.

The 1.9 MP front-facing camera is also a big upgrade, offering clear video calls and even supporting 720p video recording.

Compared to the iPhone 4S, which also has an 8 MP camera, the Galaxy S III holds its own, with slightly more shooting options and flexibility.

Software and Features: More Than Just Android

The Galaxy S III ships with Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich, customized with Samsung’s new TouchWiz Nature UX. While some users prefer stock Android, Samsung adds a range of unique software features that set the S III apart:

• Smart Stay: The front camera detects your eyes and keeps the screen on while you’re looking at it.
• S Voice: Samsung’s answer to Siri, allowing you to use voice commands to control your phone.
• S Beam: Share files instantly by tapping two Galaxy S III phones together using NFC and Wi-Fi Direct.
• Pop-Up Play: Watch a video in a small window while using other apps.
• Direct Call: If you’re viewing a contact or a message, simply lift the phone to your ear to call them.

These innovations make the Galaxy S III feel smarter and more intuitive than many of its competitors.

Samsung Galaxy S III vs Rivals

Galaxy S III vs iPhone 4S

• Screen: 4.8-inch HD AMOLED vs 3.5-inch Retina
• Processor: Quad-core vs Dual-core
• Battery: 2100 mAh vs 1432 mAh
• Software: Android with TouchWiz vs iOS with Siri

The Galaxy S III clearly leads in hardware power and display size, while the iPhone 4S still shines in app ecosystem and build quality.

Galaxy S III vs HTC One X

• Both phones offer large HD displays and quad-core performance.
• The One X has a unibody polycarbonate design, while the S III offers a removable battery and expandable storage.
• Samsung’s software features give the S III an edge in usability.

Battery Life and Connectivity

With its 2100 mAh battery, the Galaxy S III delivers strong endurance for a high-powered smartphone. Samsung also offers optional power-saving modes to extend usage further.

Connectivity is future-ready, with NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, and Wi-Fi Direct, plus 4G LTE available in some regions. This ensures the Galaxy S III can handle the growing demand for fast data and seamless sharing.

Why the Galaxy S III Matters

The Samsung Galaxy S III isn’t just another phone. It’s Samsung’s boldest attempt yet to dominate the smartphone market and to prove that Android can deliver innovation beyond specs. With features like Smart Stay, S Beam, and S Voice, plus industry-leading hardware, the Galaxy S III shows that smartphones are evolving into personal companions, not just communication devices.

It’s no surprise that the Galaxy S III is already being hailed as the best Android phone of 2012 and a true competitor to Apple’s iPhone lineup.

Should You Buy the Galaxy S III?

If you’re looking for the fastest, most feature-packed Android phone in 2012, the Samsung Galaxy S III is the clear choice. Its quad-core processor, massive HD display, innovative software features, and versatile camera make it a complete package.

While the design may not please everyone, and TouchWiz isn’t for purists, there’s no denying that Samsung has set a new standard with the Galaxy S III. This is the phone to beat in 2012, and it cements Samsung’s place at the top of the smartphone world.

Specs