Should I Buy the Samsung Galaxy S3 or the Apple iPhone 5?

Posted on Jan 8 2013 - 5:51am by admin

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iPhone 5 & Samsung Galaxy S3

If you’re considering upgrading your phone, there’s one question you might be asking yourself: “Should I buy the Samsung Galaxy S3 or the Apple iPhone 5?” It’s a tough choice. Worldwide, both smartphones have achieved staggering sales success and they are both exceptional gadgets. The iPhone 5 did receive a little negative criticism for its lack of innovation, but its commercial success is still undeniable. If you’re unsure which one to buy, the following guide should help.

The Look

Would you rather be seen with the iPhone 5 or the Galaxy S3? It’s an important question to consider. After all, your phone is always with you. If you don’t like the design of one of them, maybe you’ve already answered your original question. The iPhone 5 is smaller, lighter and thinner at 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6mm and 112g. The Galaxy S3 is 136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6mm and weighs 131g. If you have small hands, you should probably take note of the size issue and try out each before buying. The Galaxy S3 might be more difficult to operate single-handedly.

The iPhone 5 only comes in black or white, in comparison to the Galaxy S3 that comes in a wider palette of colors, depending on the operator. If you opt for the black iPhone 5, scratches can show up quite quickly on the aluminum underside unless you protect it 24/7, which is easier said than done. Some might say the Galaxy S3 looks cheaper, but it’s really down to personal taste.

The Display

If you prefer a larger screen you might prefer the 4.8-inch screen of the Galaxy S3, as opposed to the 4-inch screen of the iPhone 5. For web browsing, the Galaxy S3 might just have the edge. The image quality on the iPhone is slightly better but this is not really significant. The very bright display of the Galaxy S3, however, might dazzle some people and the slightly blue tint might misrepresent real-life colors a little when looking at photos.

In bright sunlight, the iPhone 5 is more user-friendly with a less reflective screen, making it easier to see content. This is a key factor, especially if you are prone to playing games in direct sunlight. Some people might prefer the brightness of the Galaxy S3. Its AMOLED technology is particularly impressive in a dark room.

The Battery

The Galaxy S3 has a much larger main unit than the iPhone 5 and for constant tasks like web browsing, it lasts longer before running out. With general use the difference is less noticeable. Both devices will need charging about every other day, or every day with intense use. The Galaxy S3 is more practical, however, with the ability to change the battery, if you’re going to be away from a power socket for a while.

The Apps

The Apple iOS app store has more quality apps than the Samsung’s Android Play Store, so if you want more choice, and more up-to-date releases, the iPhone 5 could be the one for you. However, Android is catching up, with many apps now available on both operating systems.

Sorting apps on Android is easier, with the option to list them alphabetically in a grid or in a list. With the iPhone 5 iOS platform, you have less control over the way your home screen looks with the customary grid menu layout.

When it comes to downloading music, having to use iTunes on the iPhone 5 is no bad thing. It’s a simple to use single application for all your media content. The Galaxy S3, however, does let you download various content from different platforms, so it’s more flexible in this way.

Making Phone Calls

The iPhone 5 does sound better, with more microphones to pick up your voice, making calls a little clearer. On the other hand, the Galaxy S3 speakerphone is louder than the iPhone’s speaker, so if you like going hands-free, you might like the Galaxy S3 more.

It’s also quicker to find contacts on the Galaxy S3, with the ability to start typing someone’s name into the dialer to bring up their contact details immediately. With the iPhone 5, you have to go into the contacts app to find the person you want to call.

The Camera

They both have 8-megapixel cameras, but the experience of taking photos is still different. The Galaxy S3’s camera app is more flexible, with the ability to alter resolution, white balance, and shooting modes. The iPhone 5’s camera is easy to use and has less options, but you can get added functionality with access to a wider range of apps, and the images look sharper and more natural on the screen.

The Verdict

For those new to technology, the iPhone 5 is generally easier to use and easier to hold, especially if you have smaller hands. Fans of the iPhone will also argue that it looks more elegant and expensive. When it comes to overall usability, the Galaxy S3 has more options for the user to play with, which can be seen as a bonus and a hindrance. Flexibility can bring complications, and if you’re not used to new technology, maybe the iPhone is more suitable, especially if it’s your first smartphone.

Both have unique features. No one can really say that one phone is better than the other; they are both first-class smartphones. It essentially comes down to what you, as an individual, are looking for. Yes, the iPhone 5 will cost you slightly more money, but fans of the iPhone will argue that it’s easier to use and worth the price. Others will argue that the Galaxy S3 does more for less money and offers more flexibility. There is no right answer. At the end of the day, both of these smartphones are first-class gadgets. Whichever you opt for, your friends will be impressed. The choice is yours.