Should I Buy the Galaxy S3 or the iPhone 5?

The selection of apps on Android is vastly improved over a year ago, but many apps still come to the iPhone first, and Android app piracy may limit the release and update speed for paid apps on the Galaxy S3 and other Android smartphones.

“Should I Buy the Galaxy S3 or the iPhone 5?” is one of the most asked questions in our inboxes. One has to imagine workers at Verizon, Sprint and AT&T stores constantly have to answer the same question. The iPhone 5 and the Galaxy S3 are two of the most popular smartphones available, and shoppers can choose either without switching carriers.
A year ago it was easier to tell many shoppers to pick the iPhone over the latest Samsung Galaxy S smartphone. But with the new Galaxy S3 shoppers face a much tougher decision, one that comes with a two-year commitment.
If you already own an iPhone or an Android device, it’s important to consider the cost of switching to the iPhone or Android. Apps and accessories are not normally compatible with each system, so many current smartphone owners may want to just stick with the type of phone they already own. But if you are trying to choose between the iPhone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S3 on any U.S. carrier, here’s what you need to know about each device.

Galaxy S3 vs. iPhone 5 Display

The Samsung Galaxy S3 features a 4.8-inch display, compared to the iPhone 5′s 4-inch display. Despite the larger display, the Galaxy S3 itself is not significantly larger than the iPhone 5.
The screen size and quality are two of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a smartphone because all the interaction takes place here.

The Galaxy S3 boasts a larger screen, but both phones deliver a great viewing experience.

The larger display on the Galaxy S3 is better suited for watching movies and mobile gaming, providing a more immersive experience than the iPhone 5.
The Galaxy S3 will also soon be able to use a multi-window mode that places two apps on the screen at once, so it’s possible to watch a video and check email at the same time without switching between apps. This is in the form of a Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean update that does not have a U.S. release date yet.
The Galaxy S3′s 1280 x 720 display is one of the best available on a smartphone. We called it “gorgeous” in our Galaxy S3 review, calling out the, “vivid and bright” display. The video below compares it to several screens, though not to the iPhone 5, as it was not released at the time of filming.

The iPhone 5′s 4-inch display is an upgrade from the iPhone 4S, and includes a higher 1136 x 640 resolution. The new 16 x 9 aspect ratio does help with watching videos, but it’s still noticeably smaller than the Galaxy S3′s display.
The iPhone 5′s display is rated at 326 ppi, slightly higher than the Galaxy S3′s 306 ppi rating. The higher the ppi (pixels per inch), the better text and photos look on a phone.
Display quality is too close to pick a winner, but users that plan to watch a lot of video content and want a larger canvas to compose and view photos should lean towards the Galaxy S3.

Galaxy S3 vs. iPhone 5 Design

Apple designed the iPhone 5 with anodized aluminum and glass, focusing on beveled edges and straight edges while Samsung opted for a plastic design with curves and flowing lines.

Galaxy S3 vs iPhone 5 side-shot showing thickness.

The iPhone 5 is a definitive upgrade from the iPhone 4S, shrinking to 7.6mm thick and replacing a glass back with metal to improve durability.The iPhone 5 doesn’t offer a user replaceable battery or a additional storage because of the unibody design. This design choice limits expandability, but delivers a solid phone that feels more high-end than the Galaxy S3.

The Galaxy S3 back comes off to offer access to the battery and MicroSD card.

The Galaxy S3 features a Gorilla Glass covered display for added strength. The sides and back of the Galaxy S3 are made of plastic, not metal like the iPhone 5. The Galaxy S3 is nice to hold, but it’s not as nice as the iPhone 5 in this area.
The Galaxy S3 is not a unibody smartphone, which means users can take the plastic back off to access the battery and a Micro SD card slot. Some shoppers will appreciate the ability to carry a spare battery or a larger battery and to expand the storage with an affordable Micro SD card later.

The iPhone 5 features a single button, to the Galaxy S3′s three.

The iPhone 5 features a home button to control multiple features with a tap, hold or double press. The Galaxy S3 includes a physical home button as well as two capacitive buttons to control the Android operating system.  Both phones include physical volume and power buttons, and the iPhone 5 features a mute switch on the left side.

The Galaxy S3′s MicroUSB port is more common than the iPhone 5′s lightning port.

The iPhone 5′s headphone jack is on the bottom next to the Lightning adapter. The new Lightning adapter means it is difficult to find a charger at a friend’s house or in an airport, but this should improve shortly. The Galaxy S3′s headphone jack is at the top, and a Micro USB port sits at the bottom for charging and syncing. This common connector is found almost anywhere.
The video below shows the iPhone 5 and Galaxy S3 in a drop test to illustrate the phone’s ability to survive drops from multiple heights.

The winner here comes down to personal preference, so head to a local store and hold each phone, but keep in mind the inability to swap batteries and add extra memory to the iPhone.

Galaxy S3 vs. iPhone 5 Features

The iPhone 5 and Galaxy S3 are well matched on features, but each phone handles some tasks better than others. The Galaxy S3 offers more software control of the camera and allows users to customize Android with new launchers, widgets and themes. The iPhone 5 is in the lead when it comes to Siri and camera quality.

Cameras

The Galaxy S3 offers many more shooting modes than the iPhone 5, including Burst Shot and Best Photo, which can take multiple photos at once, and can select the best out of a group of photos. The Best Face feature should arrive in 2013, which will allow users to pick the best face for each person in a group photo.
The video below shows the Galaxy S3 camera features available on the Galaxy S3 now.

The iPhone 5 features a better overall camera with faster shots and better quality photos. The iPhone 5 can take panoramic photos and regular photos, but without a third-party app it does not offer the same number of features as the Galaxy S3.

Galaxy S III Sample Photo

iPhone 5 Sample Photo

S-Voice vs. Siri

The iPhone 5 features voice control with Siri and the Galaxy S3 with S-Voice. Both of these apps are accessible with a button shortcut and can perform similar tasks, but Siri is the winner in terms of usability and reliability. Neither service is perfect, but Siri is a better solution to voice control.

Smart Features

The Galaxy S3 allows users to control the phone with smart gestures, so that it’s possible to control the phone without touching it. One of the best smart features is the phone’s ability to keep the screen active when you are looking at it. This is something the iPhone 5 does not support. The video below highlights many of these smart features and gestures.

Battery Life

The iPhone 5 and the Galaxy S3 can last a full day of use, even with 4G LTE, for most users. During our time with both devices, battery life was close enough that there was no definitive winner, but it’s important to remember that the Galaxy S3 battery is replaceable and there are larger battery options.

LTE Connectivity

The Galaxy S3 and iPhone 5 both feature 4G LTE connectivity for fast downloads and uploads on AT&T, Verizon and Sprint. The T-Mobile version does not feature 4G LTE. The speed test below compares the iPhone 5 and the Galaxy S3. Speeds will vary based on location and network traffic.

Galaxy S3 vs. iPhone 5 Apps & Accessories

Because the Galaxy S3 features NFC (Near Field Communication), owners can use Google Wallet to pay at many stores and can share files with other NFC-enabled devices.
The iPhone 5 is also home to more app-enabled accessories like the Nike Fuelband. These accessories connect to the iPhone via Bluetooth to share information and extend the use of the iPhone. The Nike Fuelband and many other app-enabled accessories do not work on the Galaxy S3.
The Galaxy S3′s popularity means owners can choose between a lot of Galaxy S3 cases and accessories, but the choice can’t compete with the overabundance of iPhone 5 cases and accessories.

Galaxy S 3 vs. iPhone 5 Price

The iPhone 5 and Galaxy S3 start at $199 at the carrier, but there are deals out there. We talk about price last because it’s not worth saving $50 to $100 on a phone on day one, when the total cost of a contract over two years is over $2,000.
The best iPhone 5 deals are available from retailers like Best Buy with a price of $150 for a limited time. Several stores are price matching this holiday iPhone 5 deal.
The Galaxy S3 is available for as low as $49 from Amazon Wireless for Verizon, Sprint and AT&T, with the specific prices listed below.

• Sprint Galaxy S3 - $49 ($129 current customers)
• Verizon Galaxy S3 $79 ($99 current customers)
• AT&T Galaxy S3 - $99 ($149 current customers)

Should I Buy the Galaxy S3 or the iPhone 5?

Which phone is right for me?

Before deciding, we recommend using the iPhone 5 and the Galaxy S3 at a local store. Both of these devices are a solid pick for your next smartphone, so the choice comes down to what’s most important to you and the personal preference about which phone looks and feels best in your hand.
If you want access to more accessories, first crack at apps, Siri and a better camera, the iPhone 5 is likely a better fit.
If a larger screen, advanced camera options, the customization of Android, smart gestures and sharing through NFC, the Galaxy S3 is a better pick.

keep up with the newest technologies and contemplate about how these will be used in the future. On this blog I'll share my thoughts about the future of technology, based on the
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Sony SmartWatch developer campaign ends soon – last call for submissions

With our Sony SmartWatch developer campaign in full swing, we’d like to remind you that Tuesday, June 26 is the last day to submit SmartWatch apps to Google play in order to get your free Smart Wireless Headset pro, and most of all, the chance of being promoted in Sony’s social media channels. We’re also still sending out SmartWatches to developers submitting their SmartWatch app ideas through our online form. Read on to get a status update on this campaign, and to get helpful links to aid in your SmartWatch app development.

Last month, we launched a search to find the most innovative apps and ideas for SmartWatch, Sony’s micro display for Android smartphones. We’ve seen some existing apps that have great potential, and some new, brilliant apps that use SmartWatch’s many features – notification capabilities, accelerometer, control API and widget API. Since our kickoff of the Sony SmartWatch developer campaign last month, we’ve been really impressed by the interest in this campaign:

• We received a lot of app ideas the AnDevCon developer event in San Francisco.
• We’ve received a really big number of ideas in our form online.
• We’ve handed out or shipped hundreds of SmartWatch devices so far.
• We’ve also seen a number of new SmartWatch compatible apps being added to Google Play lately, and we’re getting pinged by many developers looking for a Smart Wireless Headset pro and promotion in our social media channels.

SmartWatch-compatible apps on Google play.

Looking for promotion in Sony’s social media channels? Want a Smart Wireless Headset pro? Deadline is June 26!
Remember, in addition to getting a SmartWatch, if you’ve created a solid SmartWatch app and upload it to Google Play by June 26, 2012, we might ask to promote your app Sony’s social media channels, like the Sony Mobile Facebook page (with close to 7 million fans). You may also be part of Sony’s Recommender app, installed on more than 10 million Sony Xperia™ smartphones. So take the opportunity to develop a cool and useful app, and you will have the chance to get a lot of visibility online!
In addition, if you submit your app to Google Play by June 26, we’ll actually send you a Smart Wireless Headset pro as a complementary bonus (if it’s a solid app). To apply for your free headset, just enter some short information about your app extension and shipping details in this form, no later than June 26, 2012.

SmartWatch and Smart Wireless Headset pro. 

It’s not too late – apply today!
If you haven’t gotten around to submitting your idea, there’s still time. We will soon start to send out another batch of SmartWatch devices!

1. To submit your idea and apply for a free SmartWatch, use this form.
2. To tell us about your app and apply for a free Smart Wireless Headset pro, use this form.

Helpful SmartWatch developer links
We would also like to take the chance of saying a big thank you to all the developers who have submitted a SmartWatch idea to us. You should have already received an email acknowledging your submission, and we’ll send a follow up email soon regarding the outcome of your submission.
In the event that your SmartWatch app or app idea is not selected, we hope that you will continue developing your project anyway. Here are a few, key developer links to help you along the way:

• Smart Extension SDK overview page – use this site to download the Smart Extension SDK and get more information on how to make your apps work with SmartWatch, Smart Wireless Headset pro and other Smart Extras accessories. You can also use the SmartWatch emulator in the Smart Extension SDK to use in your development, even if you do not have a physical device.
• Sony Mobile Device Loaner Program – use this site to borrow Sony Xperia smartphones and mobile accessories, including SmartWatch and Smart Wireless Headset pro, for free.
• Stack Overflow forum – use this site to post your technical questions related to SmartWatch development. This forum is monitored closely by Sony Mobile engineers from Developer Support and Accessories teams.
• Stack Overflow SmartWatch technical questions – use this link to view all SmartWatch-related questions posted on Stack Overflow.

More information

• Learn more about the Sony SmartWatch app campaign.
• Download and learn more about the Smart Extension SDK.
• Read our most recent SmartWatch blog post.
• Watch our SmartWatch videos on YouTube covering the SmartWatch firmware update and SmartWatch and Smart Wireless Headset pro demo.
• Apply for a free SmartWatch using this form.
• Apply for a Smart Wireless Headset pro using this form.

keep up with the newest technologies and contemplate about how these will be used in the future. On this blog I'll share my thoughts about the future of technology, based on the high Tech Road Show Blog inventions of today.

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Motorola Atrix, Electrify and Photon 4G Won’t Get Ice Cream Sandwich

Last week, we told you that Motorola’s Ice Cream Sandwich update chart included some grim news for Motorola Atrix, Atrix 2 and Photon 4G owners and while Atrix 2 owners made it out unscathed, Motorola has cancelled Ice Cream Sandwich for the Atrix, Photon 4G and the Motorola Electrify as well.
In a post on Motorola’s forums and as displayed Motorola’s upgrade chart, all three devices will remain on their current version of Android which is Android 2.3 Gingerbread. All three were originally scheduled to be getting Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich this year with the Atrix slated for Q3 and the Electrify and Photon 4G scheduled for Q4.
Motorola, last week, slapped a “Further plans coming soon” moniker on all four devices and at that point, their Ice Cream Sandwich updates were up in the air. However, while the Atrix 2 received good news and began receiving its Ice Cream Sandwich roll out last week, the Atrix 4G, Photon 4G and Electrify will be receiving no such news.

The Motorola Photon 4G won’t get ICS.

This is obviously not the outcome that many owners were expecting when the company decided to place the three on the upgrade chart earlier this year but this is the situation that owners are going to have to deal with.
It’s clear that these updates weren’t cooperating in testing and rather than release buggy software, Motorola decided to scrap the updates altogether.
Hopefully, the outcome is different for owners of the Droid Bionic who saw their Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade postponed to the fourth quarter shortly after a Motorola exec promised more transparency when it comes to major Android updates.
Motorola also reiterated this stance in their cancellation of the Atrix, Photon and Electrify ICS updates saying that the company is committed to better communication with its customers in regards to Android software updates, even when it’s news that customers may not want to hear.
Case in point, the ICS updates for the Atrix, Photon 4G and Electrify.
keep up with the newest technologies and contemplate about how these will be used in the future. On this blog I'll share my thoughts about the future of technology, based on the high Tech Road Show Blog inventions of today.

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