Samsung S3 Slim (4GB, black)
Manufacturer: Samsung Part number: YP-S3JAB/XAA
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Samsung S3 Slim MP3 player is a solid option for budget-minded users with an eye for design and an ear for audio.
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CNET editors' review
Samsung S3 Slim (4GB, black) price range: $69.99 - $79.99
- Reviewed by: Jasmine France
- Reviewed on: 09/12/2008
- Updated on:10/14/2008
- Released on: 06/30/2008
The good: The Samsung S3 Slim MP3 player offers a sleek and stylish design and a handful of desirable features, such as OGG support, a folder navigation option, and a nine-band user EQ. It's also a good value and offers great sound quality.
The bad: Compared with other Samsung players, the S3 is anemic in the features department, and the touch-sensitive controls are not for everyone. Audio battery life is below average.
The bottom line: The Samsung S3 Slim MP3 player is a solid option for budget-minded users with an eye for design and an ear for audio.
The MP3 player market does nothing but benefit from the decline in flash memory prices. One of many examples can be found in the Samsung S3 Slim, a super slick-looking device that comes in 4GB and 8GB versions for just $79.99 and $119.99, respectively. The S3 delivers a good value, thanks to excellent sound quality and a handful of useful features. However, we're a bit letdown by the player's shrunken screen and lack of integrated Bluetooth, a neat feature that is included on its sibling, the Samsung T10.
The Samsung S3 Slim is fairly similar in design to its predecessor, the Samsung T10, although the S3 has a sturdier feel and more rounded edges. The clear-coated metallic body gives the player a smooth feel and stylish look, and at least some of the colors aren't completely smudge-prone--a rarity in shiny devices. The S3 is available in a choice of five colors: black, blue, green, red, and white. Glowing touch-sensitive controls live beneath the shiny exterior and light up only when activated by your finger. On the one hand, this gives the player a sleek and stylish look; on the other, it adds an extra step to navigation. The singular tactile control, a combo power/hold switch, resides on the right spine. The bottom of the S3 houses a proprietary syncing port and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. Unfortunately, you won't find a dedicated volume rocker anywhere on the device.
As its name suggests, the Samsung S3 Slim is slender and compact, measuring 3.7 inches by 1.7 inches by 0.3 inch, which is just fractionally larger than the 4G iPod Nano. Sadly, the S3's screen is 0.2 inch smaller than that of both the T10 and the Nano at 1.8 inches diagonally. This seemingly minor decrease is definitely noticeable when it comes to portable devices.
Despite the decrease in screen size, the onscreen interface remains one of Samsung's strong points. On the S3, content is neatly ordered into separate music, photo, and video menus; alternatively, there's a folder selection for those who prefer to navigate files based on desktop organization. Once you dig into the music menu, you can find tracks by artist, album, playlist, and so on. The standout, however, is the graphic interface. Samsung offers a choice of three menu themes, one of which lets you set any photo as wallpaper. The playback screen may be set to display album art, song info, or one of three animated visualizations. We suspect the latter may affect battery life, but it's a nice option for those who like eye-candy.
On the features side, we were disappointed to find that some of our favorite extras from the T10 were not carried over to the S3. There's no built-in Bluetooth and no Rhapsody DNA integration, so while the player does support subscription WMAs, it will not accept Rhapsody Channels. In addition to WMA, the S3 supports MP3 and Ogg Vorbis audio, JPEG photos, simple text files, and SVI/MPEG-4 video. All video must be transcoded using the included Media Studio software--always a bummer in our book. On a positive note, the S3 does include an FM tuner and recorder, as well as an alarm function, a handful of games, and the ability to adjust playback speeds for audio files (a useful feature for audio books and podcasts). There's also plethora of DSNe sound effects, including Samsung's signature nine-band user-definable EQ.
During our sound testing, we toyed with many of the sound settings, but ultimately kept the S3 on flat to hear it in its purest form. The different effects and EQs dramatically affect the audio output, so pretty much any listener should find a suitable sound profile. One thing is a given: you must replace the packaged headphones if you really want to hear what the S3 has to offer in the audio department. The stock 'buds sound OK, but they don't do the player justice. We used the Shure SE310 canalphones and Creative's Aurvana Live cans and were pleasantly surprised at how well the S3 powered the full-size 'phones. This player--with all bass boost settings off--offers an impressive amount of bass. It's deep, heavy, and tight, without taking away from the crispness on the high-end. In general, music sounds rich, warm, and encompassing, and all genres are pretty even. Two minor issues we noticed: a very slight background hiss in certain tracks and a tendency for some songs to sound harsh. However, we found that the latter could be remedied by adjusting the EQ.
Video and photo performance was more than adequate in our testing, though the small screen makes it a bit difficult to enjoy either--we definitely found ourselves missing that 0.2 inch. Still, images are bright and clear with good color saturation, and viewing angles are decent. Rated battery life of 25 hours for audio and 4 hours for video is plenty adequate. Sadly, the numbers that CNET Labs got for music playback were below average at 15.8 hours. Video was better than expected, coming in at just over 6 hours.
User reviews
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Liked it but returned it.
by kicooke on September 17, 2008
Pros: Great sound quality, cool addictive games.
Cons: Touch controls not good if you have big fingers, battery life was no where rated time.
Summary: I saw the 4GB model at circuit city for $99. Took it home, charged it up loaded 400+ songs pretty quickly (the transfer rate is pretty good). The sound quality ...
Summary: I saw the 4GB model at circuit city for $99. Took it home, charged it up loaded 400+ songs pretty quickly (the transfer rate is pretty good). The sound quality on this unit is pretty damn good. I've seen some Cnet reviews where they knock the older version of Samsung's DNSE but this unit does sound really good. It ranks up there with my 8GB Sony but it a different way (music sounds more processed).
I had two bones of contention with this unit, you had to recharge it about every 10 hours and I kept hitting the wrong button on the touch panel interface. If you put it in your pocket make sure the lock is on but then you can't make quick volume adjustments as you have to do since there is no dynamic normalization. The unit really needs a dedicated volume rocker on the side.
Its a great sounding unit and the games were pretty cool and addictive but in the end I ended up exchanging it for a Sansa Fuze, which does not sound as good but is easier to use and still has an FM tuner.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Budget Bliss
by Spectralmatic on September 29, 2008
Pros: Excellent Sound Quality
Nice Interface
Very well polished
Tons of customization
Quick transfers, Emodio software easy to useCons: touch panel can be a bit too touchy
no tactile volume controlSummary: I recently just bought the Samsung S3 Slim to replace my now broken iRiver Clix(2nd generation), and my, have I made the right decision. For the budget price, the ...
Summary: I recently just bought the Samsung S3 Slim to replace my now broken iRiver Clix(2nd generation), and my, have I made the right decision. For the budget price, the 4GB Slim is definitely one of the better options you can definitely go for. It's slim, sleek, very compact and totally customizable. Usually the first thing I look for in an Mp3 device is sound options, and the Slim has it all. You have a 9 band Custom EQ, various presets, and a 3D surround option.So if you're an audiophile like myself, you're in heaven. However, I haven't used(and don't plan on) using the stock earbuds. I'm usnig a pair of Sennheiser MX450s, and the trebles are high, and the bass is warm and low, and not distorted at all.
The main feature of the player is it's touch pad. All navigation is done through it, and while it works well, sometimes it can be a bit too touchy as you'll be advancing through menus you didn't mean to.The GUI is very flashy and nice, although due to the touch pad interface, theres a 1-2 second delay on input. So when you want to scroll, it may not be as instant as say, an iPod. The interface is customizable with wallpapers and 3 different menu skins.
The Slim also has your basic stuff like photo viewer, video viewer, podcasts and little games. So in all its just your simple mp3 player with your basic features, but the most standout thing about it for the price is the amount of storage and of course, the sound quality.
The EmoDio software included(well it'll be Samsung Music Studio but when you do the firmware update it becomes that) is very simple to use. Drag and drop the data you want to transfer and within a mater of minutes, everything is transferred. Once transferred, you can play them on the Slim, and unlike most Mp3 players, you can browse the device and delete it if you want to, without it having being connected to a PC.
Overall the Samsung S3 Slim is perfect if you're looking for a 4GB flash player thats under $100, has excellent sound quality, and a unique(but sometimes bothersome) input interface. But beware, the touch panel may not be for everyone.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great sound 4 the price,it rocks
by awhumphrey on September 22, 2008
Pros: Great sound quality for the price, my first mp3, Samsung delivers.
Cons: Touch screen almost too touchy.
Summary: Great product with software and cable to PC included, well designed. Upgraded earbuds to Skullcandy Titans. This little systems will fill your head with sounds. Thanks SAMSUNG and CNET......
Summary: Great product with software and cable to PC included, well designed. Upgraded earbuds to Skullcandy Titans. This little systems will fill your head with sounds. Thanks SAMSUNG and CNET......
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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You may suffer from a serious driver problem.
by 160160160 on April 18, 2009
Pros: It is stylish and sound is good.
Cons: I cant send any music to this mp3 from my computer because of driver problem and samsung doesnt have any solution for this.
Summary: I cant send any music to this mp3 from my computer because my computer dont have driver necessary for it (general mass storage driver doesnt work with mp3) and samsung ...
Summary: I cant send any music to this mp3 from my computer because my computer dont have driver necessary for it (general mass storage driver doesnt work with mp3) and samsung has not provided any driver. The cd they gave with mp3 has a simple free program that you can download from the internet. And neither cd nor their website provide any driver. It means, this product will work if u already have driver that it needs, otherwise it will be a waste of money and time to buy this product.
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Looking for sound quality and easy synching, this is it
by semitechy on April 9, 2009
Pros: small
beautiful
bright
clear
excellent sound quality
useful featuresCons: extremely sensitive "buttons"
Summary: besids the extremely sensitive touch front, this mp3 player is small and durable...you can create your own playlists if you're not up to changing the songs...everyone asks ...
Summary: besids the extremely sensitive touch front, this mp3 player is small and durable...you can create your own playlists if you're not up to changing the songs...everyone asks me if it's a phone and i laugh because i get it all the time...it's a really cool device and people are impressed by it's sleakness and beauty
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Awesome player!
by elbarto1026 on December 28, 2008
Pros: So sexy looking, nice visuals, a screensaver, song-rating system, recording off the fm radio, the street mode noise canceling feature, the many other features, and, most of all, the PRICE.
Cons: A bit laggy sometimes, touch screen too touchy sometimes. Video conversion and transfer of files could be complicated at times for the less computer-friendly; I figured it out though.
Summary: I purchased the device on sale for $50, and it really delivers. It is a great alternative to the expensive ipods and zunes, packing great features and a stunning design ...
Summary: I purchased the device on sale for $50, and it really delivers. It is a great alternative to the expensive ipods and zunes, packing great features and a stunning design for an extremely low price.
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Great buy for the price!
by gcmbgb on November 2, 2008
Pros: Slim design
No buttons
Easy to operate
Great sound
Low priceCons: Nothing yet - but touch screen can get too touchy occasionally - no worries though.
Summary: I was looking for a Sony product, and found that I could get twice the GB for $10.00 less if I went with a Samsung at Best Buy vs ...
Summary: I was looking for a Sony product, and found that I could get twice the GB for $10.00 less if I went with a Samsung at Best Buy vs the Sony direct store. I have had outstanding performance on all other Samsung products that I've purchased (TV, DVD, Refrigerator, + more), so I went with the S3 without hesitation. I've been extremely satisfied thus far.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Samsung
- Part number: YP-S3JAB/XAA
- Description: Rock out to your favorite tunes or watch crystal-clear videos wherever life takes you on the 1.8'' LCD display. The Samsung S3 plays audio, video and displays still pictures, and text. It also comes with 4GB of memory and DNSe sound engine for a superior surround sound experience. Packed with multimedia features you can enjoy no matter where you are, the Samsung S3 makes it easy and fun.
General
- Product type Digital player / radio
- PC interface(s) supported USB
- Flash memory installed 4 GB Integrated
- Digital storage None
- Weight 1.8 oz
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 1.7 in x 0.4 in x 3.7 in
- Body material Plastic, Metallized plastic
- Color Black
- Included accessories Headphones
- Software type Drivers & Utilities, Samsung Music Studio
Digital Player / Recorder
- Supported digital audio standards MP3, WMA
- Playback modes Playlist, Repeat all, Repeat shuffle
- Additional features TEXT viewer, MPEG-4 playback, JPEG photo playback
Built-in Display
- Diagonal size 1.8 in
- Resolution 176 x 220
Audio Features
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Amplifier signal-to-noise ratio 90 dB
- Built-in clock Alarm, Sleep timer
- Additional features Text viewer
CD System
- CD system type None
Equalizer
- Equalizer factory presets Rock, Vocal, Normal, Studio, Classic, Concert, Bass Boost
Radio
- Tuner type Radio tuner
- Tuner bands FM
- Tuner frequency range 87.5 - 108 MHz
Remote Control
- Remote control None
Headphones
- Headphones type Binaural Ear-bud
- Sound output mode Stereo
Connectivity
- Cable(s) included 1 x USB cable -
- Connector type 1 x Headphones, 1 x USB
Battery / Power
- Battery Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player battery
- Mfr estimated battery life 25 hour(s)
- Power device type None
System Requirements
- Operating system Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
Product series
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Manufacturer: Samsung
Specs: Digital player / radio, 4 GB, MP3, WMA, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player battery
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Manufacturer: Samsung
Specs: Digital player / radio, 4 GB, MP3, WMA, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player battery
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Manufacturer: Samsung
Specs: Digital player / radio, 4 GB, MP3, WMA, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player battery
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Manufacturer: Samsung
Specs: Digital player / radio, 4 GB, MP3, WMA, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player battery
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Manufacturer: Samsung
Specs: Digital player / radio, 4 GB, MP3, WMA, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player battery
Manufacturer info
- Samsung
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Samsung products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.samsungusa.com/
- Address:
105 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 - Phone: 1-800-726-7864
- Fax: 1-973-601-6001
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