Samsung’s Galaxy Mega Smartphone Line: 10 Impressive Features

by Don Reisinger

Unlike Samsung’s many other products, like the Galaxy S 4, which comes in one version, the Galaxy Mega is available in two options: a 5.8-inch model and a 6.3-inch model. That’s actually a good thing. Samsung is offering those who want a more smartphone-like experience to opt for the smaller Mega, while those who’d prefer a tablet experience can go for the larger option.

Although the Mega launched internationally at first, a recent filing with the Federal Communications Commission shows that Samsung is planning to bring the device to AT&T and U.S. Cellular. It’s not clear when that might happen, but it should happen soon.

Samsung has been successful with the Galaxy S design. So, it would only make sense that the company would deliver the same design with the Galaxy Mega. The device has rounded corners; a big, prominent screen; and comes in a black or white finish.

The Galaxy Mega 6.3 comes with a capable 1.7GHz dual-core processor. The Galaxy Mega 5.8 has a 1.4GHz dual-core processor. Although that’s not quite as powerful as the larger option, it’ll still handle just about any application a person throws at it. And nowadays, that’s about all users can ask for.

Although the screen size and processors are different in the Megas, they don’t end there. The higher-end 6.3-inch model comes with 16GB of internal storage, compared with 8GB on the smaller version. In addition, the Mega 6.3 allows for more connectivity to 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks. The differences between the devices aren’t minor.

Admittedly, the Galaxy Mega’s 8GB and 16GB of onboard storage isn’t the most impressive. However, the devices come with a microSD card slot that supports up to 64GB of additional storage. On those cards, users can store apps, music and other information. It’s a nice addition.

Samsung didn’t try to change the basic design or internal specifications of the Galaxy Mega simply because the device has a bigger display than those it currently offers. That’s a good thing for users. Samsung’s Android skin is still running on the device, as are the company’s many software applications. The experience that has made Samsung so popular among Galaxy S buyers is also the driving force behind the Mega.

One of the nice things about Samsung products, the Mega included, is that they can access not one, but two application stores. Those looking for a huge selection of apps can download programs from the Google Play marketplace. Those looking for programs designed for Samsung products can download apps from the Samsung Apps marketplace. In either case, Mega owners will find a solid collection of programs.

Seeing that voice control might be a thing of the future, Samsung has included its own Apple Siri alternative in the Galaxy Mega. With help from S Voice, users will be able to call out commands, look up information and more. S Voice isn’t as solid as Siri, but it’s a nice option.

The 6.3-inch Mega comes with a really neat function: the ability to split the screen in two. With that, users can view two applications simultaneously and dramatically improve their productivity. Don’t underestimate the value of the split-screen feature.