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Samsung Galaxy Note 3 - user opinions and reviews
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Released 2013, September
168g, 8.3mm thickness
Android 4.3, up to 4.4.2, up to 5.0
16GB/32GB/64GB storage, microSDXC - 0.6% 62,165,537 hits
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5.7"1080x1920 pixels
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13MP
2160p
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3GB RAM
Snapdragon 800
- 3200mAh
- Anonymous
- 0}d
This was the king of all phones at its time. It was so ahead of its time.
It had 4K (2160p) video recording when the rest of the pack was stuck at 1080p.
It had 1080p 60fps recording while others were stuck at mediocre 1080p 30fps.
It had an 1080p front camera which the iPhone wouldn't be getting until 2016.
It had 3 GB RAM when Apple had 1 GB and other Androids had 2 GB.
It had a screen size that was going to be considered normal a decade later.
It had a large 3200 mAh battery when the rest of the pack was in the low two thousands, and iPhones even below that.
It had a low shutter lag. The camera was noticably faster than that of the S4.
Like the S4, it could take 9.6 megapixel photographs while recording a video (up to 1080p), while other phones were stuck in the low single-digit megapixel range.
It had USB 3.0 when every other Android phone in existence had USB 2.0 at most.
It had all sensors of other phones and more (temperature and humidity).
It had both a stylus and self-capacitive touch (implementing S4-like Air View), both in the same device. The only phone in existence with both these abilities.
With Android 4.3, it predated Google's MicroSD restrictions they implemented to be able to sell cloud storage. Also, if you didn't update, you didn't get Android 5.0's garbage notification menu that would accidentally close if you scrolled down.
I had it while I was in school and the ability to interact with it without touching it (Air View), such as the preview seek bar feature, blew the mind of my classmates.
It also had features long removed by Samsung, such as the frame navigator in the video player. While paused, you could jump to the previous or next frame. This was removed with ... can you guess it? The S6. Which else could it be.
Of course, it had the usual Samsung selling points (replaceable battery, MicroSD cards, MHL HDMI). One of the only things it lacked was an FM radio, which was common on even entry-level phones like the Galaxy Pocket S5300. And it had no 3D camera like the HTC Evo 3D. But that's about it.
The days of ground-breaking features seem to be numbered.
The Android 4.4.2 update also added the download booster that was new on the S5, but of course, without root access, you would lose normal MicroSD write access. One of the main selling points of Android smartphones
Samsung should have made 4K video recording the main subject of their marketing (like Apple did with the iPhone 6s), but it was just passingly mentioned on the keynote. Samsung missed a major opportunity.
- Tek SpYda
- xjH
Jkl83, 06 Feb 2025Where do you get the note 3 or note 4 on 2025 today?Come get it from me i have it but the screen is blind
- ANTIDARK
- u7P
Installed Havoc os (Android 10). Tried lineage os but battery drains very fast compared to havoc os. Using it for a while now. This phone is a champ, it's smoother than OnePlus N20 se.But it has only 32 bit cpu and the battery is a bit smaller. Though I am only using it for phone calls.
- Anonymous
- gEh
KrisWasHere, 06 Jan 2025Bruh, My Galaxy A7 2017 can run genshin impact with 3gb ram...💀You are comparing your phone that had 64bit soc against 32bit soc
- Anonymous
- thv
Jkl83, 06 Feb 2025Where do you get the note 3 or note 4 on 2025 today?i have but without battery
- PassingBy
- nUk
Installed new Android-LineageOS in 2025. Returned original battery because replacement one died quickly. And it works better than many many new phone models. Looks better, takes better pictures.
Can not find downsides, maybe because I god accustomed. Hard to find quality replacement battery?
- Anonymous
- 8sc
Jkl83, 06 Feb 2025Where do you get the note 3 or note 4 on 2025 today?Secondhand
- Jkl83
- tV3
Anonymous, 06 Feb 2025Should I get Note 3 or Note 4?Where do you get the note 3 or note 4 on 2025 today?
- Anonymous
- C9n
Should I get Note 3 or Note 4?
- Anonymous
- 0}d
Just found this out:
In grid view in the file manager, if you hover your finger or pen (only SGN3 has both of these!), it shows a preview of up to 16 files.
These major creative features are long absent from modern phones. Instead, we get stuff like "3.7% more powerful processors than last time" and "1.9% more screen-to-bezel ratio" - yawn.
Honestly, I was perfectly happy with the Note 3's screen-to-bezel ratio. I never needed bezel-less screens.
- Capped
- SXy
KrisWasHere, 06 Jan 2025Odin exists?, like bro stop scamming ppl for money just for a custom ROM. (From my Galaxy S4, ... moreI got a Note 3 (n9005), is it possible to get VoLTE working?
- KrisWasHere
- R5v
Daniel0808, 15 Feb 2022Genshin impact can not run on a Samsung S note 3... Specially for a technique requirement. -I... moreBruh, My Galaxy A7 2017 can run genshin impact with 3gb ram...💀
- KrisWasHere
- R5v
Phone-lover, 08 Mar 2023I can update to you this phone to android 11 or to android 12 as you wish using team viewer. ... moreOdin exists?, like bro stop scamming ppl for money just for a custom ROM. (From my Galaxy S4, Running OptLoS 18.1.)
- Kratos
- nDZ
Amin, 27 Nov 2024I am still using it with no issueNo way! Are you serious? I had this phone in 2013 and I've used it to 4 years....the best phone of that time....
- Amin
- Kh2
Master Ahmad, 09 Nov 2024Just can't find its rival in 2024. Still using it! Its photography, video quality and re... moreI am still using it with no issue
- sherwan
- mp3
still used best phone only 1 issue some apps can't install otherwise that is the best. from uk
- Master Ahmad
- XUI
Just can't find its rival in 2024. Still using it!
Its photography, video quality and resolution is of next level!
- Dominus Unicorn
- R1r
This thing beats my ZTE Blade A3Y and it's from 2020 💀
- Anonymous
- XBB
Anonymous, 25 Sep 2024The galaxy note 3 is one my my all time favorite phonesVintage phone! I'm still using mine till today despite the fact that it is difficult to get its original battery. I had abandoned it for a very long time and just picked it up today again! I'm making this comment using the phone
- Saraistupid
- Nre
this is still my top favorite phone to this day, it was peak samsung, the closest phone by them in greatness is the note 9
- Anonymous
- qbt
The galaxy note 3 is one my my all time favorite phones
- Anonymous
- kSH
MadamNa78, 07 Dec 2023I remember having this phone way back when I was at 4th grade and it was my first ever phone..... moreI'll be 61 in a a few a few weeks and am far more nostalgic than you.
- Anonymous
- kSH
Maleesha , 14 Aug 2024Proudly reading all the posts on a Galaxy note 3I am listening to music on it now as I type this. It's not reliable as a phone but still useful. The LG v20 was the last phone I had that had features I wanted.
- Maleesha
- IWS
Proudly reading all the posts on a Galaxy note 3
- Maleesha Fernando
- IWS
Anonymous, 06 Feb 2024Does YouTube and eBay work on the lineage OS?Yeah it supports
- Anonymous
- vaS
naray, 20 Jan 2024It is actually crazy that this phone is almost 11 years old and it is still usable with a cust... moreHad to use cfw aswell only because YouTube stopped working. At least managed to give it away in working condition vs if given away with only Android 5.
- Anonymous
- dMu
Anonymous, 06 Feb 2024Does YouTube and eBay work on the lineage OS?Yes.
- chocolate
- 0IW
Anonymous, 06 Feb 2024Does YouTube and eBay work on the lineage OS?yes
- Mistakes
- wd5
I'll miss this phone forever it broken it is lost but it's still working but that day it change my life
I was still finding all the old games that i remember in that phone
- Anonymous
- 837
naray, 20 Jan 2024It is actually crazy that this phone is almost 11 years old and it is still usable with a cust... moreDoes YouTube and eBay work on the lineage OS?
- naray
- B}L
It is actually crazy that this phone is almost 11 years old and it is still usable with a custom ROM today. It supports android 11 with LineageOS and it is very, very usable on top of the ability to be degoogled and maintain privacy. If you don't expect to play games, the phone is snappy and quick enough to be a daily driver.
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- 😎
- Sepfian
- sEF
Emma, 11 Dec 2023nowadays, good as spare phone, but I want a solution for battery draining? need suggestions. a... moreTake habit to charge max 75%, and in offline or off the phone.
Take a break before and after charge. Charge when phone got below 50% (partial charging)
Just do this, and your battery will last until ur grand doughter
- mandolian
- S2S
za best fone for the best quality i n the best 2013 2014
- Emma
- SYv
nowadays, good as spare phone, but I want a solution for battery draining? need suggestions. and if I buy another spare battery and carry in my bag? is it dangerous to do this as it may explode from hot weather in summer
- MadamNa78
- sxr
I remember having this phone way back when I was at 4th grade and it was my first ever phone....and it was so nostalgic, I also remember that I have a lot of notes in notebooks in there and I can also put a password and one time I forgot it and it was never opened again lol... and then I kind of always listen the "over the horizon" sound in the speaker thing or app that was already there, Is it really a different version of the sound cause I hear different version of it recently or idk lol....anyways, its a good phone :)
- Anonymous
- Nej
Claudesp33d, 12 Apr 2023anker battery; it comes with a special back cover. and fits without any modificationswhat model is that ? is it from a power bank ? do you have a link i want one
- Loli
- IBC
Kikka, 10 Oct 2023Best phone, still works perfectly, even though I dropped it a few times. My only problem is th... moreOlder Samsung Galaxy S' and Note's have WAY MANY customs rom... Even if you don't wanna bother with all sorts of XDA development builds, you can simply go to LineageOS website and get Android 11 (Lineage 18) for this model - and it's still UNDER DEVELOPMENT UPGRADES!
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- ❤️
Ritesh, 30 Aug 2013Xperia Z Ultra is best than note 3....samaung is rubbish copy catbro sgn3 can record 4K@30 fps Sony Xperia z ultra is rubbish
- Kikka
- nH6
Best phone, still works perfectly, even though I dropped it a few times. My only problem is that many apps can no longer be updated.
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- 😢
- Emerald Bin
- raQ
The best phone I own it, almost 10 years, but still working as normal and make incredible screen brightness and nice display as it ever had
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- ❤️
- Anonymous
- vaS
Anonymous, 24 Sep 2023Uh, did it ever occur to you what mobile companies were capable of making at that time 10 year... moreWhy tf did I reply to a 10-year old comment?
- Anonymous
- vaS
AnonD-121813, 18 Sep 2013Price surely way too high...its only worth with snapdragon 800,wait still it needs to be lower... moreUh, did it ever occur to you what mobile companies were capable of making at that time 10 years ago?
And maybe you probably missed the launch prices of the likes of Nokia 7650, 6600 and N70 as well.
- bruno
- 0TI
Anonymous, 19 Jul 2023Samsung and LG are always like that. not update version
- sydneytwist
- 3sX
Phone-lover, 08 Mar 2023I can update to you this phone to android 11 or to android 12 as you wish using team viewer. ... moreTell mee how you'll do that. My own note 3 is without oprating system
- Brailyn
- Iby
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (T-Mobile) 4G LTE Is A Android Phone Does Has Bill Cycle.
- Anonymous
- vaS
Anonymous, 01 Jul 2023Samsung made a big mistake: They failed to market the Galaxy Note 3's 4K 2160p video reco... moreSamsung and LG are always like that.
- Anonymous
- vaS
iBootLord, 03 Jul 2023If you Custom ROM this Phone it would still make a amazing phone to this day, This phone was R... moreCustom roms will make people hate Samsung bloat. Difference was night and day. Almost 10 years old and it has July 2023 security update.
- iBootLord
- dSW
If you Custom ROM this Phone it would still make a amazing phone to this day, This phone was Revolutionary back in 2013. The only bad thing about this phone is the top of the front of the phone peeling off and leaving a mark.
- Anonymous
- 0}d
Samsung made a big mistake: They failed to market the Galaxy Note 3's 4K 2160p video recording feature and the smooth 60fps 1080p video recording feature.
Apple made a big deal out of it on the iPhone 6s two years later. They had commercials such as "Onions" and they mentioned it on their introduction video, where as Samsung only mentioned it passingly on their keynote, as if it were no big deal: "Oh, yeah, the Note 3 also has 4K and 1080p at 60fps video recording."
The perhaps most notable superior ability of the Galaxy Note 3 over, well, let's just say, every other smartphone in existence at that time, was just a passing mention on the Samsung Unpacked keynote.
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- Jonathan
- g%n
ARSENAL, 27 Jun 2023my phone dont want to use data what should i do to correct it to workIf your data doesn't work try getting west central wireless 3g they still have 3g
- ARSENAL
- GwM
my phone dont want to use data what should i do to correct it to work
- Anonymous
- 4BQ
GregSpegal , 23 Jun 2023That is exactly what I was looking to do.
I'm considering the note 10 plus.
The not... moreYep. I did install Lineage OS 18.1 on it.
I don't know if Android 4 or 5 (which came with it) would handle that big of a card.
For music i'd recommend using Pulsar, but there are others out there that would work. The stock music app that came with Lineage OS cant handle the 1 TB card very well.
- GregSpegal
- IbE
Anonymous , 11 Jun 2023I'm running the SM-N900T model with a 1TB Sandisk SD card for movies and music. Works great. That is exactly what I was looking to do.
I'm considering the note 10 plus.
The note 3 can expand to a tb?????
- Anonymous
- 4BQ
Andy, 03 Jul 2022What maximum capacity in giga bytes microSD cards are supported? I'm going to use as dash... moreI'm running the SM-N900T model with a 1TB Sandisk SD card for movies and music. Works great.
- Anonymous
- vaS
Chetan, 01 Mar 2023Great phone but unfortunately ebay works only with marshmallow and later versions of android s... moreIt didn't even receive Marshmallow. So it was stuck with a ehite theme on Android 5.
I installed Android 11 using the guide on Lineageos wiki. But you will lose Samsung exclusive features like the stylus pop up wheel, smart stay etc if you flash a custom firmware.
- Claudesp33d
- Nwj
Emman, 09 Apr 2023What did you do to make its battery 9000mah? Thank youanker battery; it comes with a special back cover. and fits without any modifications
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