Even as the Galaxy S4 remains one of the most sought-after Samsung smartphones in history, the Korean manufacturer still has a few more aces up its sleeve for 2013.
To be more specific, the Samsung Galaxy Note series has also proven to be a huge success, and that’s the reason why the third model in the series is expected to go on sale by the end of 2013. As weeks go by, the anticipation grows and the leaks and rumors surrounding this “phablet” continue to pop-up at an accelerated rate.
Are you a Galaxy Note fan? Are you considering the idea of becoming a Note 3 owner? If that’s the case, you might want to remain up to date with the most recent developments.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Mentioned On Samsung’s Website(s)
Although the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is supposedly still a few months away from its release on the market, the handset has been recently mentioned on Samsung Kazakhstan’s website. The handset did not appear in any pictures or press renders, but its model number (“SM-N9000“) has surfaced on the aforementioned website which makes it almost official.
More so, shortly after this occurrence, a Note 3 bearing the model number “SM-N900J” has also appeared on Samsung’s official webpage, under the “Find Your Product” section. Note that, although the two model numbers are not identical, both are believed to be different variants of the same handset.
Leaked Prototype Pictures
Quite recently, a handful of photos allegedly depicting a Note 3 prototype have been leaked. The device has appeared in multiple instances. In one of the shots, the handset has been caught on camera next to two regular-sized phones, “confirming” that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 features a display that measures at least 5.99 inches in diagonal.
However, Samsung is well known for its ability to keep its designs secret and the manufacturer is no stranger to placing its early prototypes in fake cases that don’t necessarily reflect the final design.
Rumored Camera Characteristics
In all honesty, in the past, Samsung hasn’t really shined as far the smartphone camera department is concerned, but things have changed greatly since 2012. The Samsung Galaxy S4 is a prime example that progress has been made. More so, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom stands as proof that the Korean manufacturer is well aware of the increasing camera needs of a smartphone user; however, the Zoom might’ve pushed this whole concept a bit too far, and it’s definitely not a gadget for everyone.
But getting back to the matter at hand, the Note 3 is probably going to end up being the most powerful Samsung smartphone of year 2013, and with that in mind, everyone expects it to shine in the camera department as well.
Rumor has it that the Korean manufacturer was planning to bless its upcoming phablet with a camera featuring 3x optical zoom. However, given that the Note 3 would then have become too thick, Samsung has supposedly abandoned the idea. However, word on the street is that the main camera of the Note 3 will still come with Optical Image Stabilization. It only makes sense for this to be the case, given the increasing number of smartphones which feature this particular technology.
Rumored Specs and Unveiling
In the end, it all comes down to what the handset is capable of and when we’ll be able to see it in action. I’m afraid that these details have not been yet revealed by Samsung, but in light of previous Note announcements, it’s very possible that the Note 3 will be unveiled during this year’s IFA, which will be held in Berlin, in September.
As for what will make this handset tick, rumor has it that it will pack a 5.99 inch 1080 x 1920 display, a Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor running at a frequency higher than 2 GHz, a 13 MP main camera with OIS (as mentioned above), and Android 4.2.2 or 4.3.
As always, leaks and rumors will continue to flow, providing us with bits and pieces that will eventually form a clearer picture. Until then, don’t hesitate to share your expectations regarding the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 in the comments section.
Vlad Andrici is editor for gforgames.com and writes about technology issues.