Samsung Galaxy Note 3 In 2021! (Still Worth it?) (Review)

TL;DR

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is outdated and not recommended in 2021.

Transcript

welcome back everyone let's go ahead and talk about none other than the samsung galaxy note 3 and see how it holds up in 2021. now first of all i really don't think anybody should be purchasing this device for 30 000 different reasons so i'll go ahead and find the cheapest other devices that i'd recommend this year you can get them down in the desc... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤌 The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 features a substantial 5.7-inch display, making it a noteworthy design despite its 2013 origin.
• 👻 It allows for microSD storage expansion and has a removable battery, which are rare features in modern devices but may not compensate for its software limitations.
• 🎥 The rear camera’s ability to shoot 4K video was advanced for its time, highlighting Samsung's early innovation in camera technology.
• 💯 Although it was regarded for its performance when released, the Snapdragon 800 now limits usability compared to newer quad-core processors.
• 🚵 The device's value proposition declines significantly in 2021 due to mounting competition and rapid advancements in smartphone technology.
• 😤 Custom ROMs can potentially revitalize the Note 3, but require technical knowledge that may not appeal to average users.
• 😀 The absence of software updates since Lollipop leaves the device vulnerable and incompatible with many current apps.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3?

The Galaxy Note 3 features a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display, removable battery, microSD card slot, and S Pen functionality. Its design remains appealing with a timeless look, and the display was massive for its time. However, these strengths are overshadowed by outdated software performance.

Q: How does the camera of the Galaxy Note 3 hold up in 2021?

The 13-megapixel rear camera was quite capable back in 2013, even shooting 4K video, which was ahead of many competitors. However, modern cameras have far surpassed it, offering better quality and additional lens options. The 2-megapixel front camera has also been criticized for lower performance in comparison to newer devices.

Q: Why is the software a major concern for the Galaxy Note 3?

The Galaxy Note 3 originally ran on Android 4.3 and was upgraded only to Android 5.0, now considered outdated. While custom ROMs can enhance its performance, the stock TouchWiz interface is buggy and cluttered, leading to a disappointing user experience compared to current Android offerings.

Q: Is it practical to use the Galaxy Note 3 in 2021?

Using the Galaxy Note 3 in 2021 may not be practical, as its performance struggles in the modern app ecosystem. While some retro enthusiasts may appreciate it, most users would find better value and experience with newer devices like Google's original Pixel or other budget-friendly options.

Q: How does the performance of the Galaxy Note 3 compare to newer models?

The Note 3, equipped with a Snapdragon 800 and 3GB RAM, can perform basic tasks but struggles with demanding applications today. It feels glitchy and outdated compared to newer budget smartphones, which offer smoother experiences and more reliable software performance, making it a less viable option now.

Q: What recommendations do you have for someone considering buying a Galaxy Note 3?

It’s generally not recommended to purchase a Galaxy Note 3 in 2021 due to its outdated features and performance. Instead, consider budget alternatives such as the original Google Pixel or even newer smartphones that offer better specifications and software support.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 features a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display and offers favorable design elements, such as a removable battery and microSD slot, making it appealing despite its age.

• With a 13-megapixel rear camera capable of 4K video, the Note 3 was innovative at launch, although it struggles to meet current standards due to limited front camera quality and outdated software.

• While the performance is acceptable with custom ROMs, the stock experience is glitchy and unsatisfactory, leading to recommendations for newer phones like the Google Pixel instead.