The Galaxy 3 is a new smart phone that has been added to Samsung's increasingly popular Galaxy series.
Samsung has made the Galaxy 3 (I5801) more affordable by using a smaller, lower-resolution display and a slower CPU than those used in the flagship Galaxy S.
While the Galaxy S uses a 4-inch super-bright Super Amoled WVGA (480 x 800) screen, the Galaxy 3 uses a 3.2-inch TFT screen with 240 x 400 pixels. The Galaxy S uses a 1GHZ processor, while the Galaxy 3 gets Samsung's 667MHz CPU.
Anyway, like the top-model, the new Galaxy 3 runs on Google's Android 2.1 operating system, which is intuitive to use.
I tested the Galaxy 3 on an I-Kool Internet SIM, which runs on TOT's 3G network. Using Google Sync, I managed to synchronize my contacts with my Gmail account with no problems. I also connected and synced my contacts using my Facebook account with no hitches.
Thanks to the Galaxy 3's virtual Qwerty keyboard on the touch screen, I was easily able to update my Facebook status.
Although the screen is smaller and not as sharp and bright as the Galaxy S's Super Amoled display, web pages were still readable on the TFT screen.
The Galaxy 3 worked fine when monitoring my Facebook feeds and updates from friends, using the Facebook for Android application that can be downloaded free of charge from Android Market.
The Gmail application also worked fine and fast during the test on TOT's 3G network.
The YouTube application also worked well when connected through either my Wi-Fi home router or the TOT network. YouTube clips played smoothly, although the Galaxy 3's CPU is slower than that of the Galaxy S.
The Galaxy 3 comes with a 3.5mm stereo jack for premium headphones, and with the provided DNSe sound setting, the phone worked very well as a portable music player. The music quality was also very good when using Samsung's in-ear headphones.
The Galaxy 3 also supports the DivX/Xvid compressed formats for video clips.
The phone has a 3.2-megapixel camera for taking still shots.
A very nice application that comes with the Galaxy 3 is the Layar reality browser. It works with a built-in GPS chip to pinpoint your current location in relation to major locations on Google Maps.
Among other things, Layar can identify people in your area who are connected to social networks such as Twitter on their mobile phones. During the test, Layar worked well in reporting tweeples in my area.
At only 109 grams, the Galaxy 3 is lightweight. Its looks sleek, with a silver rim on the front contrasting with a black plastic battery cover.
The Galaxy 3 has a suggested retail price of Bt9,900.
Key specs: Samsung Galaxy 3
Cellular Networks: GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900, UMTS900, UMTS2100; GPRS, Edge, UMTS, HSDPA
Operating system: Google Android 2.1
Central processing unit: Samsung S5P6422, 667MHZ
Camera: 3.2-megapixel
Display 3.2-inch TFT with 240 x 400 pixel resolution
Memory: 130MB expandable with microSD card
Battery capacity: 1500mAh
Dimensions (mm): 55 x 113.5 x 12.85
Weight: 109 grams (battery included)