IFA 2013: Samsung announces Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear smartwatch

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 introductionSamsung kicked off its Unpacked 2013 Episode 2 with the introduction of the Galaxy Note 3 smartphone and Galaxy Gear smartwatch, billed as companion devices.

Samsung Galaxy Gear introduction

It appears that Samsung listened to customer complaints about its use of plastics in recent devices. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 comes with a textured back cover with stitching, giving it the look of a classic paper notebook.

samsung_galaxy_note3Samsung Galaxy Note 3 specifications:

  • Processor (LTE): 2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800
  • Processor (3G): 1.9GHz octa-core Samsung Exynos
  • Operating system: Google Android 4.3 Jelly Bean
  • Cellular connectivity (LTE): LTE Cat 4 (up to 6 bands)/HSPA+/GPRS/EDGE
  • Cellular connectivity (3G): HSPA+/GPRS/EDGE
  • Other connectivity: GPS/GLONASS, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC
  • Display: 5.7-inch Full HD (1080×1920)
  • Input: S-Pen
  • RAM: 3GB
  • Internal storage: 32 or 64GB
  • External storage: MicroSD cards up to 64GB
  • Rear-facing camera: 13MP AF with BSI, LED flash and zero shutter lag
  • Front-facing camera: 2MP
  • Battery: 3,200mAh Li-ion
  • Dimensions: 151.2 × 79.2 × 8.3 millimeters
  • Weight: 168 grams
  • Colors: Jet Black, Classic White and Blush Pink

As for the Samsung Galaxy Gear, it will operate as both a standalone watch as well an accessory for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. A number of other Galaxy devices will be upgraded to also work with the Galaxy Gear. The update will roll out in October but it’s not clear immediately exactly which Galaxy devices will receive it.

“Samsung’s ongoing smart device innovation leadership reflects our commitment to listen to our consumers, who want their daily lives to be easier and more enjoyable. Samsung GALAXY Gear benefits consumers by integrating smart device technology even deeper into their everyday lives, and bridges the gap between the mobile device and fashion worlds to create truly wearable technology,” said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics. “Samsung GALAXY Gear frees users from the need to constantly check their smart devices while maintaining connections. It provides what we call ‘smart freedom,’ by allowing users to choose how, why, when and where they are connected.”

Samsung Galaxy Gear

Samsung Galaxy Gear specifications:

  • Processor: 800MHz
  • Cellular connectivity: None
  • Other connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 + BLE
  • Display: 1.63 inch (320×320) Super AMOLED
  • RAM: 512MB
  • Internal storage: 4GB
  • External storage: None
  • Camera: 1.9MP AF with BSI sensor
  • Battery: 315mAh
  • Dimensions: 36.8 × 56.6 × 11.1 millimeters
  • Weight: 73.8 grams
  • Colors: Jet Black, Mocha Gray, Wild Orange, Oatmeal Beige, Rose Gold, and Lime Green
  • Other: 2 microphones, 1 speaker

Both the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear, selling for US$299, will be launch in 149 countries on September 25th and will be available globally in October.

The Galaxy Note 3 will launch in the U.S. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular “later this year.”