Samsung Galaxy Note 3 packs a punch

Samsung has unveiled the new Galaxy Note 3, bringing with it a beast of a processor and a larger screen.

The Samsung Galaxy Note is gradually creeping upwards in size, with the hotly anticipated Note 3 packing in a high-definition 1920x1080p 5.7-inch screen in Super AMOLED (386.5ppi). It doesn't deliver 4K video recording, as rumoured; instead, the new beast of a smartphone has focused on multitasking and beefing up the specs.

Under the hood, it's packing a 2.3GHz quad-core processor in the 4G long-term evolution (LTE) model and a 1.9GHz octa-core processor in the 3G model, both with a massive 3GB of RAM and running Android 4.3. It's also been given a better battery of 3200mAh, compared to the Galaxy Note 2's 3100mAh.

Two cameras record in 1080p: a rear-facing 13-megapixel cam with LED flash, and a front-facing 2-megapixel camera. The rear camera can shoot in Ultra HD at 30fps, FHD at 60fps and HD at 120fps. Both cameras have been enhanced with Smart Stabilisation.

In spite of this, the Note 3 is thinner and lighter than its predecessor, clocking in at 151.2x79.2x8.3 millimetres and 168 grams, compared to the Note 2's 151.1x80.5x9.4 millimetres and 183 grams.

A new software feature called Air Command really gives the S Pen its wings. Clicking the stylus' button opens the Air Command palette, which really brings multitasking to the fore with five key functions:

• Action Memo allows users to handwrite a note, and automatically execute a function or convert that handwritten information into formatted content. Action Memo can instantly initiate a call, add to contacts, look up an address on a map, search the web, save a task to a to-do list and more.

• Scrapbook enables users to organise or track down content and information from various sources including the web, YouTube and Gallery in one place so that users can easily look back at collected content all at once. When consumers save content for future use, Scrapbook also collects source material or URLs, allowing them to easily refer back to the original source.

• Screen Write captures the full screen image of the current page on the device and allows users to write comments or additional information onto the captured image.

• S Finder allows users to expansively search for content on their device, regardless of the type. By putting in keywords or filters such as date, location and content type, users can search related documents, events, communication threads and even the Help page all in one place. In addition, users can also search for handwritten content in their Notes and memo applications, as well as symbols and formulas.

• Pen Window allows users to use the S Pen not only for drawing sketches and writing notes, but now also for opening a small application window for a true multitasking experience. Simply by drawing a window of any size, anywhere on the screen, users can easily and quickly open another application window, such as YouTube, calculator or Browser, without pausing current activity on the screen.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will come in two storage capacities, 32GB and 64GB, with a microSD slot to expand up to a further 64GB, and three colours, black, white and pink. It will will be available on Telstra, Virgin, Optus and Vodafone when it launches in Australia later this month. Stay tuned for our full review.