Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Daily Device

In a follow up to my last post and to prove I am not just a Microsoft and windows fan boy I am turning my attention to my Android devices! In particular my Samsung Galaxy Note 3. I have had so many devices over the years it is hard to keep track but I have owned and used all the Galaxy note devices. Each time the new version is released the performance improvements are industry leading and the range of features ever increased. But what of those features and how many do I actually need/use?

My Android History

My android experience started with a HTC device, the desire to be exact. I then went over to the Samsung galaxy note and S2. Ever since I have stuck with Samsung handsets occasionally playing with my wife's Nexus 4/5 and HTC one. The experience considering all the devices are based upon Android is quite different. From a performance perspective my Galaxy Note 3 still seems to be the fastest and more capable device. But all have their unique strong points, the HTC ones speakers and Android overlay are great. While the Nexus devices run raw Android and often have greater compatibility with apps and services, although the cameras on the Nexus line always disappoint me.

Note 3 Focus

I will refocus back on the Note 3 and the main features I make use of. This is not spec listing or a review blog, if you want detailed product information and reviews based purely on all the specs and features then plenty already exist from Engadgget or Techradar and alike. This is purely from a day to day usage point of view and how this device helps keep my work and personal life connected and shared!

Battery Life

The main feature I make use of is quite an important one for most field workers. It is battery life and the note 3 really stands out in this department. The note 2 would just about make a day with a single charge for me but the note 3 manages this with ease. I spend most of my time checking emails, taking in twitter, Internet browsing, G+, Tech blog reading and keep up to date with sports and news apps. The battery easily copes with my daily use, I suspect if I was to watch movies or youtube for extend periods the battery might need more regular topping up.

Screen

On top of the battery I love the screen, both brightness/clarity and size. The screen real estate is brilliant for me and it is still more than comfortable enough to carry in your pocket and use as a general phone. Side by side with many other devices I always prefer my note 3 display, simple.

Knox

I have actively used Knox since it was launched to separate my work and personal life. Keeping my emails and work documents secure and password protected is brilliant, well done Samsung for trying to tackle this modern conundrum of bring your own device policy's. The range of apps within Know is growing and many of the daily work drivers are covered, plus its simple to switch back into personal mode.

Camera

I also take a ton of pictures for my work duties and family events. The note 3 really impresses me with its range of camera settings and the quality of pictures. No it isn't going to replace a DLSR but it is more than adequate for most tasks.

S Pen

I don't make an awful lot of use of Samsungs own applications such as Story book and S health etc. So can't really comment on these, its just not something I use my mobile device for. The S pen is brilliant and it is also compatible with my Microsoft Surface Pro 2 and vice versa which is great. I regularly take screen shots with the pen or use the link to action feature. I don't reach for the pen every time I use the handset but it comes out a few times each day. Screen write is great to overlay comments on pictures I collect in my line of work and the S finder is a great short cut to find those emails and files. Pen window lets me keep up with whatsapp and hangouts from the front screen.

Connection

My note 3 is my daily driver and everything else links through it via my EE LTE connection and dropbox. Once the note 4 comes along it will be retired to one of my children but otherwise is staying firmly in my pocket. Wifi, GPS and Bluetooth work flawlessly and keep me connected out on the road away from my home/office.

Call Quality

One of the features that seems to matter less and less is call quality and the ability to make and receive calls. The note 3 is actually quite good on this front in my experience and it is worth pointing out to those that still like to talk to people or take business calls. I find signal quality and strength is always slightly ahead of my iPhone 5s.

Anyway that is about it from my initial thoughts on my daily use of the Samsung Galaxy note 3. I will look more closely into some of the specific features and apps I like best later on.

Thanks for reading MW