Samsung’s "phablet" Galaxy Note series has proved a surprise hit with consumers, and with the second iteration boasting one of the largest displays in the smartphone industry, its successor – according to a report from Samsung’s native South Korea – will set a new benchmark in terms of screen real-estate. The Note II may already be enormous with its 5.5-inch offering, but as TheKoreaTimes reports, the Galaxy Note III could boast an eye-watering 6.3-inch display upon its release next year.
The original Note measured in at 5.3-inches, and when it initially launched, many skeptics questioned whether the market wanted or needed a screen of such proportions The consumers answered that query by going out and purchasing it in their millions, and the recent release of the Note II has garnered similar acclaim. TIME Magazine’s annual list of the best gadgets of 2012 pitted the Note II in seventh place, and with a market now well-established, Samsung appears to be treading on true tablet territory with the third release.
Although anything with a 5.x-inch display can probably still be considered a smartphone, a Note with a 6.3-inch display will likely redefine the line between smartphone and tablet. Considering the display of the Google / ASUS Nexus 7 is 7-inches in diameter, many would argue a 6.3-inch Note III must hence be categorized as a tablet. Then again, with the inherent ability to make and receive cellular calls, is a smartphone a smartphone no matter what the size?
In terms of other specs for the Note III, details are scarce, but the OLED display will certainly be the main talking point. We expect the hardware to be fairly similar to that of the Galaxy S IV, which is also set for release at some point next year, and with both the Galaxy S and Note series both running strong, all eyes will be on what Samsung plans to do with the 2013 models.
The Galaxy S IV will, many predict, make its first appearance at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2013, which commences in late February. From then, the device will probably make an appearance around April time, with the Note III possibly dropping in the summer.
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