The speedier version of Samsung's Galaxy S3 that's now available on Three will come with Jelly Bean after all, and is 4G-compatible too.
The numerical network confirmed on Friday that it would start flogging an 'Ultrafast' version of Samsung's ever-popular smart phone, which could outpace 3G rivals by latching onto Three's DC-HSDPA network for faster data downloads.
There was a fly in the ointment, however -- Three said the phone would run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and not Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, a more recent version that's already present on the normal Galaxy S3.
Today however I've received confirmation that Three's earlier word was inaccurate, and that the nippier Galaxy S3 will indeed come with Jelly Bean, which makes much more sense.
Cheap 4G?
In last week's article I pondered whether Three's 'Ultrafast' S3 was the same as the S3 LTE that EE is flogging on 4G tariffs, as this would mean the new device could hook onto Three's upcoming 4G network, which the operator has promised won't be any more expensive than current contracts.
Three has now confirmed that the Ultrafast S3 will be 4G LTE compatible, meaning if you snap it up now, it should work with Three's 4G network when it launches.
That's certainly good news, though Three's 4G offering is still in the hypothetical stages -- we don't know how fast it will actually prove to be, or whether its coverage will be any good.
Are you thirsting for 4G? Do you want the Samsung Galaxy S3, or are you eagerly awaiting the sequel? Let me know in the comments, or on our Facebook wall.
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Comments 9
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anonymous 11 February, 2013 17:13
The word "flogging" is drastically overused in CNET articles (twice in this one alone). The word suggests aggressive marketing usually at a drastically reduced price, which is certainly not the case with the S3 - it's one of the priciest smart phones out there!
anonymous 11 February, 2013 20:51
My s3 stopped working after it got wet in the rain - and Samsung said it was due to water damage and wouldn't replace it. So I decided to try a nokia 920. It's brilliant: better screen, better camera, better call quality and better sound recording and playback than the S3. Irrespective of whether the S3 had 4g I wouldn't go back to an S3. The 920 is better build quality and sturdier. There are fewer apps on w8 mobile. But most of what I need is there (and 60 installed on my phone).
anonymous 11 February, 2013 21:23
Is it just me or does CNET seem to continually plug Samsung?
anonymous 11 February, 2013 21:25
yes cnet does- but hey they have to get their money somewhere. Though to be fair the S3 is pretty good. Though as a previous commentator mentioned the S3 is a bit weak in build quality and durability. However, that helps keep it light and cheap (ish).
anonymous 11 February, 2013 21:29
there are now better phones out there than the S3. I've got an S3 but my next phone will be a Sony Z. I like the idea of something waterproof- my friend's s3 stopped working when it got wet (and they wouldn't replace it). Touch wood I haven't had any major problems (though it gets a bit hot when I run video for any time). But the S3 is looking old hat now and it's kind of become the cheapy iphone .
Damien2501 11 February, 2013 23:49
Avoid getting your phone wet, buy a case.
Damien2501 11 February, 2013 23:51
And I'm gonna buy this phone in 6 months time when it's relatively cheap.
anonymous 12 February, 2013 10:47
Just moved house, so I'm without an internet connection and we are running a tether off of my girlfriends new S3 on orange - it is like having broadband!
I know her old iPhone 3GS is 2 years older but the difference in 3G speed is night and day on the same network.
anonymous 12 February, 2013 17:16
hey its better then the US cnet and there every apple apple are the gods nothing beats apple