Samsung Galaxy Note 3
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is an Android-based phablet smartphone developed and produced by Samsung Electronics as the successor to the Galaxy Note II in its Galaxy Note series.[1] It was officially unveiled on September 4, 2013, during a Samsung Unpacked event in New York City, with a global launch beginning on September 25, 2013, in over 140 countries.[1] The device measures 151.2 by 79.2 by 8.3 millimeters and weighs 168 grams, featuring a premium design with a textured, faux-leather back cover available in colors such as Jet Black, Classic White, and Blush Pink.[1] At its core, it includes a 5.7-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels, powered by either an octa-core Exynos 5 Octa 5420 processor with four 1.9 GHz Cortex-A15 and four 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 cores (in international variants) or a 2.3 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (in LTE models), paired with 3 GB of RAM and storage options of 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB expandable via microSDXC.[2] The phone shipped with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and Samsung's TouchWiz interface, later upgradable to Android 4.4.2 KitKat and Android 5.0 Lollipop.[2] A defining feature of the Galaxy Note 3 is its enhanced S Pen stylus, which supports pressure-sensitive input and integrates with new software functionalities like Air Command—a radial menu for quick access to tools such as Action Memo (for handwritten notes convertible to text), Scrapbook (for collecting content), Screen Write (for annotations), S Finder (for searching notes and content), and Pen Window (for multitasking with resizable app windows).[1] The device also incorporates a 13-megapixel rear camera with LED flash, Smart Stabilization, and 4K video recording capability, alongside a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, and a 3,200 mAh battery rated for up to 15 hours of talk time.[3] Additional highlights include Samsung KNOX security for enterprise use, Multi Window multitasking, and compatibility with the Galaxy Gear smartwatch, positioning the Note 3 as a productivity-focused hybrid between smartphone and tablet.[1] It supported LTE Category 4 connectivity for download speeds up to 150 Mbps in compatible networks.[1]Development and Announcement
Development
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 emerged as the third installment in the Galaxy Note series, which Samsung initiated with the original Galaxy Note in 2011 to pioneer the phablet category through its combination of a larger screen and integrated stylus for enhanced input. Building on the success of the Galaxy Note II released in 2012, which expanded the display size and refined S Pen stylus features like Air View for intuitive hovering interactions, the Note 3's development emphasized continued innovation in screen enlargement and stylus integration to bridge mobile communication and productivity tasks.[1][4] Central to the development process were goals to refine the device's ergonomics by achieving greater slimness and lightness, addressing user feedback on the handling of increasingly larger form factors from prior models, while amplifying productivity capabilities through stylus advancements and extending battery endurance for all-day usage. These objectives responded to consumer insights highlighting the need for a more comfortable grip and sustained power without compromising functionality, positioning the Note 3 as a more refined tool for creative and professional workflows.[1][5][6] A key aesthetic innovation during development was the adoption of a faux leather back panel, featuring stitched detailing to evoke the premium texture and heritage of traditional notebooks, thereby enhancing the device's tactile appeal and aligning with its role as a digital writing companion. This material choice marked a departure from glossy plastics in earlier iterations, aiming to convey sophistication and durability.[7][8] Development efforts, which intensified in the lead-up to the device's completion in 2013, involved prototyping focused on a 5.7-inch display for immersive viewing and bolstered S Pen functionalities to streamline note-taking and multitasking, solidifying the series' emphasis on versatile input methods.[1][9]Announcement
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 was officially unveiled on September 4, 2013, during Samsung's Unpacked event at the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin, Germany.[10][11] The event centered on the theme "Design the Story of your Life," highlighting the device's role in enhancing personal productivity and creativity through advanced multitasking capabilities.[10] Key demonstrations included the improved S Pen stylus with Air Command functionality, enabling air gestures to quickly access features like Action Memo for handwriting-to-text conversion, Scrapbook for content collection, Screen Write for annotations, S Finder for search, and Pen Window for resizable app overlays.[10] Productivity apps such as an enhanced S Note for synchronized note-taking with services like Evernote, Multi Window for side-by-side app usage, and My Magazine—a Flipboard-integrated aggregator for personalized content—were showcased to emphasize seamless integration of work and leisure.[10][1] Pricing was announced to start at $199 with a two-year contract in the United States through select carriers' financing plans, such as T-Mobile's option of $199 down plus 24 monthly payments of $21, while standard subsidized pricing was set at $299.99 for the 32GB model across major providers; globally, prices varied by region and operator, typically ranging from €649 to €699 in Europe.[12][13] Initial carrier partnerships included U.S. operators AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and U.S. Cellular, with international availability through networks like Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone, positioning the device for a broad launch in over 140 countries starting September 25, 2013.[1][10]Design and Build
Dimensions and Materials
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 measures 151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3 mm and weighs 168 g, resulting in a slimmer and lighter profile compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Note 2, which stood at 151.1 x 80.5 x 9.4 mm and 183 g.[2][14] This design choice enhanced portability for a phablet with a large form factor, while incorporating a dedicated slot at the bottom for storing the S Pen stylus.[2] The device features a plastic frame and a removable back cover textured with faux leather, providing a premium, notebook-inspired tactile feel without using genuine leather materials.[15] The front is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, but the Note 3 lacks any official IP rating for water or dust resistance.[2] Available in Classic White and Jet Black at launch, the Galaxy Note 3 later expanded to include options like Blush Pink in select regions, with additional variants such as Rose Gold White, Rose Gold Black, and Merlot Red introduced globally.[16][17] To improve ergonomics for single-handed use on its expansive body, the Note 3 includes software features like one-handed operation mode, which allows repositioning of soft keys and activation of multi-window functionality for easier navigation.[18][19]Accessories
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 was supported by a range of official accessories designed to provide protection, convenience, and enhanced functionality, particularly leveraging its S Pen and faux leather aesthetic. These add-ons, primarily from Samsung, included protective covers and charging solutions that integrated seamlessly with the device's design without compromising its slim profile.[20] The S-View Cover was a prominent flip-style accessory made from high-quality synthetic leather, replacing the device's standard battery cover to offer full screen protection while maintaining a non-bulky form factor. It featured a dedicated cutout window allowing users to view notifications, the time, weather, and incoming calls without unfolding the cover, and supported quick actions like answering calls or dismissing alerts directly through the S-View interface. The cover was fully compatible with the Galaxy Note 3's S Pen, enabling stylus use even when closed, and was available in colors such as black and white to match the phone's exterior. A variant, the Wireless Charging S-View Flip Cover, added Qi-standard wireless charging capability by integrating a charging coil, allowing the device to charge when placed on compatible pads without cables.[20][21] Samsung offered several official case options to complement the Note 3's protective needs, including leather-style wallet covers and slim protective shells. The Flip Wallet Cover, constructed from durable synthetic leather, provided card storage slots and a stand function for media viewing, while safeguarding the screen and back from scratches and impacts. Slimmer variants, such as the standard Flip Cover, focused on basic screen protection with a fold-over design that aligned with the device's stitched faux leather back, available in multiple colors like indigo blue and wild orange. These cases emphasized a professional, minimalist look without adding significant bulk.[22][23] For charging, the Note 3 supported wireless options through an official replacement back plate, the EP-CN900 Wireless Charging Cover, which incorporated Qi technology to enable inductive charging on compatible pads. This optional plate replaced the original cover, adding minimal thickness while preserving access to ports and the S Pen slot, and was often bundled as a kit with a charging pad for cable-free convenience.[24][25]Display and Input Methods
Display
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is equipped with a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display that delivers a Full HD resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 386 ppi for sharp and detailed visuals.[2] This capacitive touchscreen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which enhances durability against scratches and minor impacts while maintaining clarity. Key features include adaptive brightness, which dynamically adjusts screen illumination based on surrounding light levels to improve readability and conserve power.[26] The display also supports customizable color modes such as Natural and Dynamic; the Natural mode prioritizes accurate color reproduction for professional viewing, while Dynamic mode boosts saturation for more vivid imagery.[27] These options allow users to tailor the output for tasks like photo editing or entertainment. The Super AMOLED panel excels in viewing enhancements, offering wide viewing angles with minimal color or brightness shifts even from off-axis positions, and an effectively infinite contrast ratio due to per-pixel lighting control, which produces deep blacks ideal for media consumption.[27] Additionally, the touchscreen enables up to 10-point multitouch sensitivity, supporting complex gestures and multiple simultaneous inputs for intuitive interaction.[28]S Pen Functionality
The S Pen included with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is an active digitizer stylus developed in partnership with Wacom, featuring 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity to enable varied stroke thickness for writing and drawing applications.[29] The stylus incorporates a side button for additional input functions, such as right-click simulation, and is housed in a dedicated slot within the device's lower frame for convenient storage and quick access.[30] A key innovation in the Note 3 is the Air Command menu, which activates via a hover gesture over the display, providing shortcuts to stylus-optimized tools including Action Memo for quick handwritten notes with handwriting-to-text conversion, Scrapbook for collecting and organizing screen clippings, Screen Write for annotating screenshots, S Finder for searching handwritten content across apps, and Pen Window for launching resizable floating apps to support multi-window multitasking.[31] These features leverage the S Pen's precise hover detection, supported by the device's Super AMOLED display, to streamline productivity without navigating traditional menus.[32] This enhances usability while maintaining compatibility with core input methods like Direct Pen Input for converting scrawled text into typed form within various applications.[31]Hardware Components
Processor and Memory
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 utilized region-specific chipsets to optimize performance and connectivity. LTE-enabled variants, such as the SM-N9005 model, incorporated the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (MSM8974) chipset, featuring a quad-core Krait 400 CPU clocked at 2.3 GHz. In contrast, 3G models like the SM-N9000 employed Samsung's Exynos 5420 Octa (Exynos 5 Octa 5420) chipset with a big.LITTLE architecture: four Cortex-A15 cores at 1.9 GHz for high-performance tasks and four Cortex-A7 cores at 1.3 GHz for efficiency. These configurations were selected based on market requirements, with the Snapdragon variant prioritizing LTE support and the Exynos focusing on power optimization in non-LTE regions.[2][31][33] Graphics processing was handled by the Adreno 330 GPU in Snapdragon models or the Mali-T628 MP6 in Exynos variants, enabling capable rendering for gaming and multimedia applications. The device shipped with 3 GB of LPDDR3 RAM, which facilitated seamless multitasking, rapid app switching, and support for resource-intensive features like S Pen interactions without significant lag. This RAM capacity marked a substantial upgrade from the 2 GB in its predecessor, enhancing overall system responsiveness.[2][34][33] In benchmarks, the Galaxy Note 3 achieved an AnTuTu v4 score of approximately 31,109, reflecting strong computational power for 2013 standards and outperforming contemporaries like the LG G2 in multi-threaded tasks. Thermal management was improved over the Galaxy Note II through more efficient 28 nm process nodes and aggressive throttling mechanisms in both chipsets, allowing sustained performance during prolonged use without excessive heating.[35][36][37]Storage and Expansion
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 was available in variants with 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of internal storage using eMMC 4.5 flash memory.[2][38] This internal storage served as the primary space for the operating system, pre-installed applications, and user data such as photos, videos, and documents. For expandability, the device featured a dedicated microSDXC card slot supporting up to 64 GB of additional storage, allowing users to extend capacity for media files and other content without relying solely on internal memory.[39][2] Out of the box, a significant portion of the internal storage was occupied by the system and pre-installed apps; for the 32 GB model, approximately 22 GB was available for user content after initial setup, indicating about 10 GB used by default software and bloatware.[38] Similar proportions applied to the 16 GB and 64 GB variants, with the remainder dedicated to runtime needs like the 3 GB of RAM for active app storage. The Note 3 provided native file management capabilities, enabling users to transfer files to and from the device via USB connection or cloud services for seamless data handling.[2]Battery
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 features a removable Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 3200 mAh, enabling straightforward user replacement without specialized tools.[2][40] This battery delivers up to 21 hours of talk time and up to 420 hours (approximately 17.5 days) of standby time in 3G networks.[2][40] The device includes a power saving mode that restricts CPU speed, brightness, and background processes to extend endurance, particularly in low-battery scenarios.[41] Charging is handled via the microUSB 3.0 port using a standard 5V/2A adapter, achieving a full charge in about two hours, though no native fast charging technology is supported.[42][2] Battery optimization draws on usage patterns to adjust power allocation, complemented by the efficient Snapdragon 800 or Exynos 5 Octa processor for balanced performance.[41][2]Sensors and Connectivity
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 incorporates a range of sensors to enhance user interaction and environmental awareness. These include an accelerometer for detecting device orientation and motion, a gyroscope for precise rotation tracking, a proximity sensor to disable the display during calls, a geo-magnetic sensor functioning as a digital compass, a barometer for altitude measurement, a gesture sensor enabling air gesture controls, an RGB light sensor for ambient light adjustment, a temperature and humidity sensor for environmental monitoring, and a Hall sensor for detecting magnetic fields such as those from flip covers.[31][2] In terms of connectivity, the device supports quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE on 850/900/1800/1900 MHz bands for 2G networks, quad-band HSPA+ up to 42 Mbps on 850/900/1900/2100 MHz for 3G, and LTE Category 4 with download speeds up to 150 Mbps and upload up to 50 Mbps on market-dependent bands, typically supporting up to six frequency sets for broad 4G coverage.[31][2] It features Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band support and HT80 for faster wireless networking, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, EDR, and Low Energy profiles for device pairing and audio streaming, NFC for contactless payments and data transfer, and GPS/GLONASS for accurate satellite positioning.[31][2] Additionally, an infrared LED blaster allows the phone to function as a universal remote control for compatible TVs and appliances, while the microUSB 3.0 port supports MHL 2.0 for TV output, OTG for peripheral connections, and data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps.[31][2] The device also includes ANT+ support for fitness and health sensor connectivity.[2]Camera System
Rear Camera
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 features a 13-megapixel rear camera equipped with an f/2.2 aperture lens, a 31 mm focal length, autofocus, and an LED flash for low-light photography.[2][33][43] The camera utilizes a Sony Exmor RS IMX135 backside-illuminated CMOS image sensor measuring 1/3.06 inches with 1.12 µm pixel size, which enhances light sensitivity compared to previous non-BSI sensors but lacks optical image stabilization, relying instead on software-based Smart Stabilization for reducing blur.[44][31] For still photography, the rear camera captures images at a maximum resolution of 4128 x 3096 pixels, supporting features such as geo-tagging, panorama stitching, and High Dynamic Range (HDR) processing to improve detail in high-contrast scenes.[2][33] These capabilities allow users to produce wide-angle landscapes or balanced exposures without manual adjustments, with the LED flash providing High Color Rendering Index (CRI) output for more natural illumination in dim conditions.[31] The device introduces several creative modes to expand photographic options, including Best Face, which automatically selects the optimal facial expressions from a sequence of group shots; Eraser, enabling the removal of unwanted photobombers from images; and Drama Shot, which composites multiple exposures to create light-trail effects during motion capture.[31][43] These modes, powered by the camera's zero shutter lag, facilitate spontaneous and artistic still imaging directly from the native app.Front Camera
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is equipped with a 2-megapixel front-facing camera featuring an f/2.4 aperture and a 27mm wide-angle lens, enabling 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second.[2] This setup supports BSI sensor technology for improved low-light performance during selfies and calls.[31] Key features include Beauty Face mode, which automatically detects and enhances facial features such as skin tone and blemishes in portrait shots, ideal for quick social media captures.[45] The wide-angle lens facilitates group selfies by broadening the field of view, allowing multiple subjects to fit comfortably in frame without needing to reposition.[2] Optimized for video communication, the camera integrates seamlessly with apps like Google Hangouts, delivering sharp and reliable performance for video chats over Wi-Fi or cellular networks.[46] It also supports S Pen integration for gesture-based selfie triggering, simplifying self-portraiture (detailed in S Pen Functionality).[33] Despite these capabilities, the front camera's 2 MP resolution falls short of the rear's 13 MP sensor, limiting detail in still images, and it lacks a built-in flash, which can affect usability in dim environments.[2][38]Video Recording
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3's rear camera supports video recording in UHD 4K resolution at 30 frames per second (fps), enabling high-detail capture suitable for large-screen playback, though limited to five-minute clips per session.[2][43] It also records in Full HD 1080p at up to 60 fps for smoother motion in dynamic scenes and offers slow-motion capability at 720p resolution with 120 fps, allowing users to replay fast actions in detail by slowing footage to quarter speed.[2][31] The front-facing camera records video in 1080p at 30 fps, providing clear selfie or video call footage with the same aspect ratio as the rear camera's standard modes.[2] Video stabilization on the Galaxy Note 3 relies on digital image stabilization (DIS), which electronically compensates for minor shakes during handheld recording but is unavailable in 4K mode, potentially leading to more noticeable jitter in ultra-high-definition clips.[43] Unlike later devices, it lacks optical image stabilization hardware.[2] Audio capture during video recording uses stereo sound via dual microphones, enhancing spatial depth, and includes noise reduction processing to minimize wind and ambient interference for clearer results.[2]Software and Updates
Original Software
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 launched with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean as its operating system, overlaid with Samsung's TouchWiz Nature UX 2.5 user interface.[47][48] This combination provided a customized Android experience with enhanced visual elements, including a refreshed design language featuring softer icons and improved animations compared to prior iterations.[48] Key software features at launch emphasized multitasking and user accessibility. Multi-window multitasking allowed users to run and resize two apps side-by-side on the 5.7-inch display, enabling seamless interaction such as dragging content between windows.[11] Easy Mode simplified the interface for novice users by enlarging icons, reducing clutter, and prioritizing essential functions like calling and messaging.[49] The device also included the Samsung Apps hub, a proprietary storefront for downloading games, productivity tools, and other applications tailored to Samsung's ecosystem.[50] S Pen integration was a core aspect of the original software, with dedicated applications enhancing stylus functionality. S Note served as a versatile note-taking app supporting handwriting recognition, templates for various note types, and easy export options.[51] Autodesk SketchBook was pre-installed, offering pressure-sensitive drawing tools optimized for the S Pen to create sketches and digital artwork.[51] These apps were accessible via Air Command, a radial menu summoned by hovering the S Pen and pressing its button, providing quick shortcuts to S Note, SketchBook, and other stylus-optimized features like Action Memo for converting handwritten notes into actionable tasks.[51] For security, the Note 3 introduced Samsung Knox, a defense-grade platform that created a segregated workspace for enterprise users, protecting sensitive data through hardware-rooted encryption and real-time threat detection.[48][52] This feature allowed IT administrators to enforce policies like remote wipe and app restrictions without compromising personal use of the device.[52]Major Updates
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3, originally shipped with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean overlaid with TouchWiz, received two subsequent major operating system updates from Samsung. These upgrades enhanced performance, user interface, and battery management while maintaining compatibility with the device's hardware. In early 2014, the device began receiving the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update, starting with international variants in January. This rollout introduced key KitKat features adapted for Samsung's TouchWiz skin, including initial Material Design elements such as improved typography and color schemes, enhanced lock screen functionality with a direct camera shortcut, and better music controls with full-screen album art. Additionally, the update enabled the Android Runtime (ART), which replaced the Dalvik virtual machine for faster app loading and smoother multitasking.[53][54][55] The subsequent major update to Android 5.0 Lollipop arrived in 2015, with initial deployments in regions like Russia and Poland in January, followed by U.S. carriers such as AT&T and T-Mobile in March. Lollipop brought a refreshed user interface with heads-up notifications for real-time alerts without interrupting workflows, a battery saver mode to extend usage during low power, and Project Volta optimizations, including battery saver mode and improved job scheduling, that enhanced overall power efficiency.[56][57][58][59] These changes built upon the KitKat foundation, providing a more modern and efficient experience on the Note 3's aging hardware. Following the Lollipop upgrade, Samsung provided security patches for the Galaxy Note 3 through 2019 for select variants, addressing vulnerabilities in the Android OS and Samsung's software layers.[60] No further major OS updates were released beyond Android 5.0, marking the end of active development support. Official support, including security patches, ended in 2019 for all variants. The rollout timelines for these updates varied by region and model; Exynos-powered variants, common in international markets, generally experienced slower deployment compared to Snapdragon-equipped models, often due to additional optimization testing required for the octa-core processor.[61][2]Release and Variants
Global Release
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 was initially released on September 25, 2013, becoming available in over 140 countries worldwide, marking a broad global rollout coordinated by Samsung Electronics.[1] This launch encompassed major markets across Asia, Europe, and other regions, with the device offered through official channels and retail partners to meet anticipated demand.[62] In the United States, the Galaxy Note 3 arrived later, with Verizon launching it on October 10, 2013, while AT&T and T-Mobile began offering the device in early October, such as on October 4 for AT&T subscribers.[63][64] These carrier-specific timelines reflected adjustments for network compatibility and inventory preparation in the North American market.[12] Pricing for the Galaxy Note 3 varied significantly by region at launch; in Europe, the unlocked version retailed for approximately €700, as seen in markets like the UK where it was listed at £620.[65] In India, Samsung priced the device at ₹49,900, positioning it as a premium offering in the local smartphone segment.[66] Pre-order promotions in select markets included incentives such as bundled data allowances, with Vodafone India providing 2 GB of 3G/2G data to early buyers.[67]Model Variants
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 was released in several model variants tailored to specific regions and carriers, primarily differing in processors, network band support, and connectivity features to accommodate local infrastructure. The global model, designated SM-N900 (also known as N9000), features a Samsung Exynos 5420 octa-core processor (4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A15 and 4x1.3 GHz Cortex-A7) and supports 3G HSPA+ networks without LTE in some configurations, with GSM bands 850/900/1800/1900 MHz and UMTS bands 850/900/1900/2100 MHz.[68][69] For international LTE markets, the SM-N9005 variant uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 processor and supports LTE Category 4 (up to 150/50 Mbps) across up to six band combinations, including LTE bands 1/3/5/7/8/20, alongside global GSM and UMTS bands.[2][34][70] In the United States, carrier-specific models all employ the Snapdragon 800 chipset but vary in supported frequency bands for optimal compatibility:| Model | Carrier | Key Hardware Differences |
|---|---|---|
| SM-N900A | AT&T | LTE bands 2/4/5/17; UMTS bands 1/2/4/5; supports GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz.[71][72][73] |
| SM-N900T | T-Mobile | LTE bands 2/4/5/17; UMTS bands 2/4/5; includes VoLTE support for enhanced voice over LTE calling; GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz.[74][75][76] |
| SM-N900P | Sprint | CDMA bands 800/1900 MHz; LTE band 25 (1900 MHz); UMTS bands 1/5; limited GSM support.[77][78] |
| SM-N900V | Verizon | CDMA bands 800/1900 MHz; LTE bands 4/13; UMTS bands 1/4/5.[76][79] |