A review: Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo
New Delhi: Samsung continues to dazzle its followers by offering smartphones and phablets equipped with juicier hardware specs, updated design, and a deeper software experience. The latest eye-turner from the Korean company is the ‘lite'
Design/Form Factor/Button Allocation
Both the Galaxy Note 3 Neo and the Galaxy Note 3 look and feel a lot like each other from the front as well as the back. It has same faux-leather battery cover, complete with the stitching. The S-Pen compartment is in the same place at the bottom as well. The device is made of plastic and can handle damages well. Though the device is still huge, it doesn't feel heavy, and fits well in the pocket. However, as with the case with other Note devices, the Note 3 Neo is difficult to operate from single hand. To minimize this, Samsung is offering the device with a set of layout optimizations and has even supplied a dedicated one-hand mode. A reduced interface makes it easier for a person to reach a part of the screen so that you can reach for the furthest angle. This makes it easy for you to pick the corners of the screen during its operation.
For those who'd prefer the device to perform multitasking, they have the option of the S-Pen, which will bring out several shortcuts pop up on the screen.
The front of the device is dominated by its 5.5” panel which is surrounded by a chrome frame which gives a premium touch to the device. Under the display, you'll find the typical Samsung three button layout consisting of a physical Home button with capacitive Back and Menu keys each side. The button allocation pattern is exactly the same as in the Note 3. While the right hand side has the power/lock button, the right hand side has the volume rocker, a 3.5mm headset jack and an Infrared receiver on the top. The bottom has the microUSB 2.0 port for connectivity and charging purposes, the primary microphone, the loudspeaker grille and the S-Pen compartment. Interestingly, you won't find microUSB 3.0 in this handset. On the back, there's an 8MP camera lens and a single LED flash. The back of the device is removable.