The Samsung Galaxy S3 is one of the most feature-packed gadgets of the year. It can do so much that it’s impossible to get your head around everything it's capable of in a few days. We’ve spent an age with the phone, and are here to share what we've found.
If you want to get to know your Samsung Galaxy S3 a bit better, check out our round-up of the 50 juiciest tips and tricks for the Android giant. Think we've missed something? Drop us a line in the comments.
Galaxy S3 tips and tricks video
See our favourite tips from the full 50 Galaxy S3 tips and tricks in our video.
Update: 2013 Extras
Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy S3 will get most of the new software features introduced in 2013's Galaxy S4. These include things like Smart Scroll, the new camera interface and the S Translator, which translates text between languages.
When will the update arrive? At the time of writing, we're not sure. With Galaxy S4 fixes likely on top of Samsung's priority list, it could take a few months.
Have the next-generation model already? Be sure to read our top Samsung Galaxy S4 tips and tricks.
Bonus 1: App download problems
A common issue with Android is that sometimes apps will refuse to download from the app store. It’s frustrating. Very frustrating.
If you encounter this issue, there are a few things to try. The first is to ensure you have enough internal memory. Try deleting an app or game you don’t play/use regularly any more.
If that doesn’t help, you need to try clearing the cache of the Play Store app. You’ll find this option in the Play Store’s entry in the Apps Manager menu of Settings. If this fails too, you’ll need to remove your current Google account from the device in the Accounts section of Settings, restart the phone and re-add it.
Bonus 2: Quick-access settings via notificationsThe main function of the square function switches within the notifications bar is to let you turn battery-sapping features on and off quickly. However, they also function as quick shortcuts to the full Settings sub-menus they are linked to.
Just hold down on, for example, the Bluetooth switch to be taken to the Bluetooth section within Settings. If you’re a hardcore user, this little tip may save you some time.
Bonus 3: How to sync with iTunes
iTunes is not designed to sync with a Samsung Galaxy S3, but with the help of some third-party software you can make the two hook up.
The app you need is called Easy Phone Sync, available from Google Play. What this does is talk to a desktop counterpart app, called – you guessed it – Easy Phone Sync, available from the company’s website.
This lets you transfer your iTunes library over to the phone without much faffing, including photos and podcasts as well as music.
Also, be sure read our comparison of the iPhone 5 and Samung Galaxy S3 or watch our favourite five picks in the video below.
If you want to get to know your Samsung Galaxy S3 a bit better, check out our round-up of the 50 juiciest tips and tricks for the Android giant. Think we've missed something? Drop us a line in the comments.
Galaxy S3 tips and tricks video
See our favourite tips from the full 50 Galaxy S3 tips and tricks in our video.
Update: 2013 Extras
Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy S3 will get most of the new software features introduced in 2013's Galaxy S4. These include things like Smart Scroll, the new camera interface and the S Translator, which translates text between languages.
When will the update arrive? At the time of writing, we're not sure. With Galaxy S4 fixes likely on top of Samsung's priority list, it could take a few months.
Have the next-generation model already? Be sure to read our top Samsung Galaxy S4 tips and tricks.
Bonus 1: App download problems
A common issue with Android is that sometimes apps will refuse to download from the app store. It’s frustrating. Very frustrating.
If you encounter this issue, there are a few things to try. The first is to ensure you have enough internal memory. Try deleting an app or game you don’t play/use regularly any more.
If that doesn’t help, you need to try clearing the cache of the Play Store app. You’ll find this option in the Play Store’s entry in the Apps Manager menu of Settings. If this fails too, you’ll need to remove your current Google account from the device in the Accounts section of Settings, restart the phone and re-add it.
Bonus 2: Quick-access settings via notificationsThe main function of the square function switches within the notifications bar is to let you turn battery-sapping features on and off quickly. However, they also function as quick shortcuts to the full Settings sub-menus they are linked to.
Just hold down on, for example, the Bluetooth switch to be taken to the Bluetooth section within Settings. If you’re a hardcore user, this little tip may save you some time.
Bonus 3: How to sync with iTunes
iTunes is not designed to sync with a Samsung Galaxy S3, but with the help of some third-party software you can make the two hook up.
The app you need is called Easy Phone Sync, available from Google Play. What this does is talk to a desktop counterpart app, called – you guessed it – Easy Phone Sync, available from the company’s website.
This lets you transfer your iTunes library over to the phone without much faffing, including photos and podcasts as well as music.
Also, be sure read our comparison of the iPhone 5 and Samung Galaxy S3 or watch our favourite five picks in the video below.