Computer Pad: / / Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3: more than phablette tablet?

Friday, September 6, 2013

/ / Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3: more than phablette tablet? - Clubic

With Galaxy Mega, Samsung pushes the boundaries of “phablettes” with a screen of 6.3 inches. More thought to the bags for jeans pockets, the new format of Samsung is it really relevant?

class=”c5″ Samsung Galaxy Mega
class=”c5″ Key Features
class=”c8″> Operating System	Android 4.2.2
class=”c8″> Processor / speed	CPU: 400 Snapdragon clocked at 1.7 GHz GPU: Adreno 305
class=”c8″> Memory / Storage	internal memory of 8 or 16 GB / Micro SD Slot RAM 1 GB
class=”c8″> screen technology and definition	Screen 6.3 “PLS LCD 1280×720 pixels
class=”c8″> Camera	8MP autofocus and LED flash
class=”c8″> GPS	Yes
class=”c8″> FM Radio	No
class=”c8″> Battery	3200 mAh removable
class=”c8″> Dimensions	167.6 x 88 x 8 mm
class=”c10″> Weight	196 grams

Design and ergonomics back to overview
It was nice getting used to the Samsung method of testing all imaginable formats, the Galaxy Mega surprised by its size, even compared to the Galaxy Note II or the LG Optimus Pro G, and yet redefines the border between smartphone and tablet: it is already more in the presence of a tablet which makes the smartphone reverse

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However, if the size of the Mega is the most impressive, it enjoys the same view to optimizing the Galaxy S4: Samsung has managed to trim up the edges for a maximum occupancy of the screen, while maintaining finesse and lightness, as it does not exceed 200g

The design is no surprise since it takes the Galaxy S4, as all the latest products Samsung. plastic back, and fairly thin lines less round than in the past, and textured pattern on the back and the front. The back is removable and seems durable enough but it still takes quite easily scratches. Removing it, you can access the battery and SIM card slots Micro SD and Micro which are located one under the other. Original.

Finally, there are the touch buttons and the central button and a camera that protrudes slightly from the shell, as often with the manufacturer. In short, the classic Samsung not really noticeable at first, but very well assembled and integrated. We still regret the placement of virtual, buttons sometimes conducive to their involuntary support.

Components back to overview

We suspected given the price (from 449 euros), the Galaxy Mega does not include the latest components, compared with the Galaxy S4 and which more or less filtered Galaxy Note 3. It must be “satisfied” by a 400 Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC. It is composed of two Krait cores clocked at 1.7 GHz and an Adreno 305 graphics chip. Basically a kind of improved S4, which is ridiculous given the always honorable performance it also

small disappointment on screen. While there are already phablettes 1080p (LG G Optimus Pro, for example), the 6.3-inch Galaxy Mega screen is limited to a definition of 1280×720 pixels. Of course, the resolution is quite satisfactory: 233 dpi, it is a little below an iPad retina (264ppp). Once is not custom for a Samsung smartphone, the slab is not Super AMOLED but PLS LCD. Good angles of vision, not too saturated colors: it is undeniably the job

It will finally surprised the storage capacity of basic. 8 Go! It certainly helps to make the entry price below 450 euros, but we will strongly advise you to aim the 16GB version for 50 euros more. One can certainly expand the capacity via the Micro SD slot, but for a camera of this caliber, 8 GB standard is low. The “phablette” is equipped with 1 GB of RAM

The camera is no surprise. It is the same sensor 8 Mégapixels/1080p that already was on the Galaxy S III The Note II or the recent Galaxy Mini S4. A 1.9 megapixel webcam is the game.

The Mega is compatible 4G on all frequency bands including those related to us in France. A very good place to set a camera at this price. Good surprise also on Wi-Fi: the circuit is compatible with the new standard i802.11ac. The 3200 mAh battery includes an NFC chip, Bluetooth 4.0 is supported, and it obviously is a GPS and an infrared transmitter chip.

OS and return to the summary interface
The Galaxy Mega runs Android 4.2.2, added to with the Samsung Touchwiz interface. We talked in length from the latest version of Touchwiz in our test Galaxy S4: in the Galaxy Mega incorporates some features, while adding its own specific

Thus, some gadgets flagship smartphone Samsung are found here, including Air View feature to fly the finger some information for details. . Nice but not really necessary

Who said “phablette” format known optimizations to the large size of the screen, and we are disappointed about one thing: how “one-handed operation” is not as complete as that of the Note II: the calculator or the dial pad numbers are managed … But not the main keyboard! This one is nevertheless very comfortable (with 2 hands) and incorporates a row of numbers like the S4 or the Note II.

functionality is integrated dual window (unlike the recent Galaxy Tab) and this is obviously a happiness on a screen this size, especially as the list of compatible applications continues to grow: Evernote is one of latest additions.

In addition to dual-mode window, Samsung has also optimized its applications (mail client, calendar …) for use in landscape mode

Internet and multimedia back to overview
Surfing the Galaxy Mega is obviously comfortable. Already, the SoC delivers absolutely flawless performance: navigation is perfectly smooth and responsive. The size of the screen allows for its surf comfortably in landscape mode without zoom: it really brings the experience of a tablet

Obviously, the size of the screen Mega also allows him to shine in video playback and take advantage of the multimedia support always very full of Samsung.

DLNA compatibility extensive video, all good, except for the sound: settle on a cut to the multimedia device, a thin mono speaker located on the back, it’s a shame. We would have preferred stereo loudspeakers in front as the HTC One, although in all cases, it is preferable to use the headphone output. This is quite satisfactory, and as usual there is a semi-ear headphones good quality.

The games also benefit from immersion provided by the 6.3-inch screen, but

To return use the summary
By its size still particular, it is really the use of Galaxy Mega daily reveals, or not, the potential of the device. Let’s start with the obvious: even a Galaxy Note II, Mega is not made to be used with one hand, it is not a smartphone “go anywhere”, and even if some optimizations in this direction the use of Galaxy Mega is closer to a tablet than a smartphone.

device is either not adapt very well to most pants pockets: unless wearing a baggy, it is quite uncomfortable to quickly slip into his front pocket, especially for use as player . After a few minutes, he found himself in the back of a saddlebag pocket. With a helmet long enough wire, or better yet, Bluetooth, it passes. In winter, you can slip it into an inner jacket pocket.

Fone Pad Asus (to a lesser extent), making calls is much more comfortable with a hands free kit: Mega hold in the palm of the hand can be tiring if you have little fingers. Call quality, however, is very good on both sides.

The Galaxy Mega is therefore not ideal for users calling frequently, but if it just is not your case, then it may become a consumer device web / multimedia more interesting: Compatible 4G, featuring a comfortable and relatively sunlight readable screen) and powerful enough to play any kind of video and play the latest games. Remains a question: what more does it really brings versus “phablette” more common 5.5-inch format? Still not much space for a supervisor. And, knowing that if Samsung reiterated performance S4, we should have a Galaxy Note 3 no more bulky than its predecessor, but with a significantly larger screen h2.

Photo and video back to overview
The Galaxy Mega incorporates some picture of Galaxy S4 features, but again not all. Lack including calling the practice mode Eraser, which allowed to delete a topic through the field at the wrong time effectively enough. However, there are traditional panorama, burst mode or Best Photo mode, which combines several group shots to get the cliche “perfect”
Unsurprisingly, the sensor 8 megapixel Galaxy Mega produces images of very good quality. Not surprisingly, because it is similar to that fitted to the Galaxy S III or Galaxy Note II.

1080p videos are also in line with expectations: fluid, accurate, and enjoying developing responsive and stable

.PerformanceTo evaluate the performance of Galaxy Mega, we perform a series of tests. These are made of the latest software update to date (in this case the Android 4.2.2). The results are the average of three measurements.

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expected: the Galaxy Mega located in the upper middle of most tests, but found himself behind by logically smartphones equipped with a Snapdragon 600

AutonomyAutonomy is measured via video movie playback in 720p, loop until battery exhaustion. The screen is at its maximum brightness, its 50% off the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled.

In these extreme conditions, the Galaxy Mega is a little over 7 hours. It is less than a Galaxy S4: the higher capacity battery does not seem to fully offset the size of the screen. It is still rather tough, most smartphones turning instead around 6:00.

In use “standard”, ie mixing surfing, listening to streaming music, calls, synchro email / social networks and standby periods, easily a dozen hours

is taken, but the use of 4G still tend to be quite greedy!Conclusion

The Galaxy Mega 6.3 is a smartphone apart, even in the category of “phablettes” or its size distinguishes it from most of its competitors in 5.5 or 5.7 inches. These few tenths really make a difference? Not sure in all cases, but for some applications, such as video, the screen obviously necessary:. Was not expected to find a Galaxy Note II or Optimus Pro G

With a little classic design but certainly well finished and once more optimized effectively, and satisfactory performance, Mega actually crossed the line between smartphone and tablet, and offers an attractive solution for users that the phone function is secondary to video playback or 4G surfing and want still carry their mobile device into a single (large) pocket.

That’s a lot of conditions, but if you fall into this category, it may do the trick. However, the Galaxy Note 3 arrives, and although it will certainly be more expensive, it will be much difference in terms of technical features while perhaps less “disproportionate” in its format, and not necessarily at the expense of comfort of the screen. At least aim for a budget that does not exceed 500 euros, or having necessarily need a 6-inch screen, so we recommend rather wait for the availability of the latter.