Skip to main content

Samsung rumored to be considering a metal chassis for the Galaxy Note 3

Samsung Galaxy Note 2Check out our review of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 phablet.

Samsung could decide to ditch the use of polycarbonate to construct the shell of the inevitable Galaxy Note 3, should the latest rumor be believed. It won’t only be Samsung fans who’ll be pleased to hear a metal body could encase the device, but HTC too, as apparently, Samsung has made this decision due to the success of the HTC One. It has been a while since HTC had other companies on the run, so it should enjoy this while it can, as if Samsung does adopt premium materials for its premium hardware, it may be short lived.

It’s understandable if Samsung is taking a close look at the HTC One, as anyone who has fondled HTC’s new range-topper will admit the aluminum frame feels good in their hands. The same is rarely said about the Galaxy S3 or Galaxy Note 2, both of which use a polycarbonate shell, which some consider to look and feel a bit cheap.

The source of the rumor is SamMobile, where a company insider told the site there is a growing concern over the design and build quality of its products. It’s also noted that not only is Samsung ready to make a change in the materials used in the Note 3’s construction, but also in its design, as it apparently won’t resemble the Galaxy S4. This doesn’t sound all that likely, as the Galaxy S3 influenced the design of almost every subsequent Galaxy device – from phones to tablets – following its release. As brand image is important, it makes sense for its two flagship smartphones to share a common theme this time around too.

Going back to the metal Note 3, SamMobile’s source doesn’t say which metal will be selected, although aluminum is certainly the most in vogue at the moment. A prototype Galaxy S4 is said to have been produced with a metal frame, but was abandoned due to time constraints. We’re not expecting to see the Galaxy Note 3 until after the summer, with September being a possibility, suggesting Samsung may have enough time to put it into production this time, should it choose to do so.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Andy Boxall
Senior Mobile Writer
Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…
Does the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 work with the iPhone?
Apps page on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6.

Samsung's Galaxy Watch 6 is a popular choice for a smart watch, available in both regular and classic forms. The bright, vibrant display and improved battery life to keep going all day offer an enticing option, even making for a tempting upgrade from the Galaxy Watch 4 or Galaxy Watch 5.

However, before you buy a smart watch there's always the sticky question of phone operating system compatibility. To be useful, you need to link your smart watch to your smart phone -- but not every option for smart watch software plays nice with every phone OS. Samsung's smart watch options work happily with Android devices, but if you're hoping to use a newer Samsung smart watch with your iPhone then you'll run into some problems. Essentially, the newer versions of the Galaxy Watch aren't compatible with iOS, so they're not going to work with your iPhone.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 does not work with iPhones

Read more
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 vs. Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: which should you buy?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic next to each other.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (left) and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Andrew Martonik / Digital Trends

The Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic are among the most popular smartwatches of 2024. Offering heaps of functionality and customization options, they're an easy recommendation for anyone who owns an Android smartphone. But while the two have very similar names, there are some key differences between these two Samsung wearables.

Read more
Best tablet deals: iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Fire, and more
Front face of Samsung Galaxy Tab S8.

Whether you’re shopping for one of the best iPads or one of the best tablets in general, it never hurts to keep an eye out for some savings. Tablet deals are often pretty easy to come by, with top tablet brands like Samsung, Apple, and even Microsoft having a tablet model or two discounted somewhere on the internet. We’ve scoured all of the current tablet deals and compiled them into what we feel are the best tablet deals going on right now. Reading onward you’ll find everything you need to know in order to save big on a new tablet, as well as some information on which of the best tablet deals may best suit your needs.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (32GB) -- $96, was $160

If you need an Android tablet for simple tasks like browsing the internet and watching streaming shows, the affordable Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite may be enough for you. Its 8.7-inch screen is decent with WXGA+ resolution, while maintaining portability so you can easily hold the tablet in one hand. Its internal storage is limited at 32GB, but you can expand it by up to 1TB using a microSD card. For the clumsy ones, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is perfect for you because it's protected by a sturdy metal frame.

Read more