Info: The Samsung Galaxy SIII vs the Samsung Galaxy Grand

Samsung released the Samsung Galaxy Grand in December 2012 as a mid segment smart phone but the one question that I have is, was it really necessary? I mean, it doesn’t really have too much to offer and is at best an average smart phone. Considering the fact that Samsung already had the Samsung Galaxy S3 and the Samsung Galaxy Note II that were doing so well at the time, I really don’t see why they chose to release this smart phone with the Samsung Galaxy S4 was just a months away. I’ve decided to put these doubts to rest by comparing with the Samsung Galaxy Grand with the Samsung Galaxy S3. Who do you think will come out on top?

Phone	Samsung Galaxy S3	Samsung Galaxy Grand
Image
Operating System	Android 4.1.2 (JellyBean)	Android 4.1.2 (JellyBean)
Processor	Quad Core, 1400 MHz, ARM Cortex-A9	Dual Core, 1200 MHz
System Chip	Samsung Exynos 4 (4412)	Broadcom VideoCore IV
System Memory	1 GB	1 GB
Graphics Processor	ARM Mali-400/MP4	Yes
Display	4.8” Super AMOLED	5.0” TFT
Screen Resolution	1,280 x 720	800 x 480
Pixel Density	306 ppi	187 ppi
Storage	16 / 32 / 64 GB User memory + microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC slot (up to 64 GB)	8 GB User memory + microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC slot (up to 64 GB)
Primary Camera	8 MP	8 MP
Flash	LED	LED
Secondary Camera	1.9 MP	2.0 MP
WiFi	WiFi 802.11 a / b / g / n / n 5GHz	WiFi 802.11 b / g / n
Bluetooth	4.0	4.0
Battery	2,100 mAh	2,100 mAh
Weight	133 g	162 g
Dimensions	136.6 x 70.6 x 8.60 mm	143.5 x 76.9 x 9.6 mm
Announced	03rd May 2012	18th December 2012

Size and weight

As far as this point is concerned, Samsung took a big step back with the Galaxy Grand. While the Galaxy S3 measures 136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6 mm the Galaxy Grand measures 143.5 x 76.9 x 9.6 mm. That is a huge difference and considering that Galaxy Grand just has a marginally larger display I don’t see any reason to warrant the increased size of the smart phone. It’s the same case as far as the weight of the smart phone is concerned. The Galaxy S3 weighs 133 g while the Galaxy Grand weighs 162 g. A difference of almost 30 g is quite substantial isn’t it?

I’m going to go with the Galaxy S3 on this point.

(Samsung Galaxy S3 - One / Samsung Galaxy Grand - Zero)


Display

Like I mentioned above, the Galaxy Grand has a marginally larger display at 5.0” and comes with TFT technology while the Galaxy S3 comes with a 4.8” Super AMOLED touch screen which is far superior in my eyes. Even in terms of pixel density, the Galaxy S3 is much better with 306 ppi as opposed to the 187 ppi of the Galaxy Grand.

I think this point is pretty clear cut as well. The Galaxy S3 clearly comes out on top.

(Samsung Galaxy S3 - Two / Samsung Galaxy Grand - Zero)


Memory & Storage

The Galaxy Grand finally shows some resistance. Both smart phones come with 1 GB of RAM and run quite fast. There is no visible difference in the speed of either smart phone. Even in terms of storage, both smart phones allow for storage expansion up to 64 GB. Even though the Galaxy Grand only comes with 8 GB of internal storage and the Galaxy S3 comes in 16, 32 and 64 GB versions, it wouldn’t feel right to award this point to the Galaxy S3.

Therefore, this point’s a draw.

(Samsung Galaxy S3 - Two / Samsung Galaxy Grand - Zero)


Camera

These smart phones were released more than 6 months apart and I would have expected at least some improvement as far as the camera is concerned. But no, both smart phones come with an 8 MP camera on the back and an LED flash. But while the Galaxy S3 has a wide range of features including, HDR, digital image stabilization, panorama, etc. the Galaxy Grand just has your basic auto focus and back-illuminated sensor. Quite disappointing isn’t it? Both smart phones can record videos at 1080p and while the Galaxy Grand has a 2 MP camera the Galaxy S3 has a 1.9 MP camera.

Honestly, this point should go to the Galaxy S3 but I am going to call it a draw since both smart phones are the same in terms of basic photography.

(Samsung Galaxy S3 - Two / Samsung Galaxy Grand - Zero)


OS & Performance

The Galaxy S3 is upgradable to Android 4.1.2 (JellyBean) while the Galaxy Grand comes with the same operating system pre-installed, hardly a reason to award it the point. The Galaxy Grand comes with a Broadcom VideoCore IV chip and Dual core, 1200 MHz processor while the Galaxy S3 comes with a Samsung Exynos 4 (4412) chip and Quad core, 1400 MHz, ARM Cortex-A9 processor. I don’t want to get into technicalities but it does look like the Galaxy S3 provides a better overall performance.

When choosing between both these smart phones for this point, the Galaxy S3 comes out on top by a slight margin.

(Samsung Galaxy S3 - Three / Samsung Galaxy Grand - Zero)


Battery

This is one point that will leave most people dumbfounded. Both smart phones come with a 2,100 mAh battery and I think it’s safe to assume the battery is similar if not the same since both smart phones are Samsung’s. But, while the Galaxy S3 offers a standby time of 34.6 days the Galaxy Grand offers a standby time of just 18.3 days. Why the difference? I think one major reason is that the Galaxy S3 comes with an AMOLED screen while the Galaxy Grand comes with a TFT screen. Apart from that, I don’t know what else makes the Galaxy S3 offer such a longer battery life.

This point definitely goes to the Galaxy S3.

(Samsung Galaxy S3 - Four / Samsung Galaxy Grand - Zero)


Price

While you can pick up the Galaxy Grand nowadays for $ 390 (free of contract) you will need to pay around $ 470 (free of contract) if you want to pick up the Galaxy S3. So, there is a basic price difference between both smart phones of $ 80. And what more do you get in the $ 80? A better battery life for one, a superior display and better performance. That’s well worth an additional 80 bucks.

This point goes to the Galaxy S3 as well.

(Samsung Galaxy S3 - Five / Samsung Galaxy Grand - Zero)


Conclusion

There you have it folks. While the Samsung Galaxy Grand is a cheaper and more recent option from Samsung, the Samsung Galaxy S3 is older and better. Maybe if they spent the time working a little more on the Samsung Galaxy S4 instead of wasting energy with the Samsung Galaxy Grand, the Samsung Galaxy S4 would still be at the top of its game instead of losing out to other smart phones like the LG G2 and the Sony Xperia Z Ultra. If I had to choose between both these smart phones, I would definitely go with the older Samsung Galaxy S3.


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