The Samsung Galaxy MEGA is a MONUMENTALLY MASSIVE Mecha [Review]
I’ve come to realize that I don’t really like phablets. You’ve seen them. Those monstrosities that are just a little too big to be a phone but just a bit too small to be a tablet, a phablet. The challenge has to do with the size of the human head in relation to the distance from your mouth to your ear. I’ve found that the bigger these devices come, the more awkward and unwieldy they are when pressed to your cheek. The screen gets really hot as its pressed up to your cheek and so I find myself just putting my ear up to the speaker. As the speaker is up to your ear then; your mouth is a but further away and the person can’t quite hear what you’re saying. However, as you put the microphone closer to your mouth, then the speaker gets further away from your ear. So grin and bear it by keeping your cheek on the hot screen? Well, that might trigger unwanted clicking on your home screen too. One time, I even accidentally dialed 911 and didn’t realize until the operator came on and interrupted our conversation.
That being said, the Samsung Galaxy Mega is NOT a phone. It’s a mini-tablet that can also make and receive audio calls. Wow, what a huge thing in your hands! Whereas other phablets are just a bit too big to be a phone but too small to really be a tablet, the MEGA fits much more comfortably as a two-handed device. However, it’s also been engineered to provide a better one-handed experience since the back button is on the right side of the phone closer to your thumb. (Makes navigation much easier) How does one get over the glass screen burning your cheek scenario though? I’d highly recommend a headset. Yes, I know bluetooth headsets are all the rage but personally, I like the Yurbuds IRONman earphones. There’s just something about stereo sound through a solid physical connection. Wireless still seems to skip or get fuzzy at times.
*sure, still slightly awkward to slide into your back-pocket comfortably. Then again, the Galaxy Mega is not really a phone.
Exclusive to AT&T, the 6.3-inch Samsung Galaxy Mega is available for $24 a month with AT&T Next or $149.99 with two-year agreement. The Galaxy Mega runs Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) and includes many of the popular Galaxy smartphone features:
- WatchON™ is a service that simplifies searching and recommends TV, movies and sports according to personal tastes. With WatchON and the built-in IR blaster, the Galaxy Mega functions as a remote control for home theater equipment.
- Air View™ allows you to hover your finger over a calendar item or email to display a preview of what’s inside without opening it.
- Multi Window display offers split screen viewing and lets you view content in two windows at once, making it easy to multi-task. For instance, you can take notes while watching a video or search the web while responding to a text message or email.
- Easy Mode settings give new smartphone users or simplicity seekers the option to start out with a basic version of your home screen that keeps your favorite apps and features within reach.
- Story Album™ transforms photos you take with the Mega’s 8-megapixel camera into multi-media albums with music, videos and notes.
- S Translator™ helps you get your point across in a variety of languages.
“Continuing our legacy as the first carrier to launch Samsung’s Galaxy series, we’re excited to expand our growing line of Galaxy smartphones with the Galaxy Mega,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president – Devices, AT&T. “Images and web content come alive on the large display, making it easy to stay productive and entertained almost anywhere, all on the nation’s fastest and now most reliable 4G LTE network.”
*For a better size comparison, here’s the Galaxy Note on the left, Galaxy MEGA in the middle and iPad Mini on the right.
Final thoughts? The Samsung Galaxy MEGA is really cool and a good fit for anyone who spends 5+ hours daily on the internet. Comes with Samsung’s app. suite that comfortably helps make life a bit more functional. If you simply need to make calls or post a quick check-in, there are plenty of other phones on the market. However, if you find yourself always reaching for your phone whenever away from an actual computer and monitor then this just might be the gadget for you.
