Samsung Galaxy S3 vs. ZTE Era

Attribute	Samsung Galaxy S3	ZTE Era
Operating System	Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich), upgradable to 4.4.4 (KitKat)	Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
Processor	1.4 GHz Quad-core Cortex-A9	1.5 GHz Dual-core
RAM	1 GB	1 GB
Internal Storage	16/32/64 GB	8 GB
Display Size	4.8 inches	4.5 inches
Resolution	720 x 1280 pixels	720 x 1280 pixels
Camera	8 MP (primary), 1.9 MP (front)	8 MP (primary), 0.3 MP (front)
Battery	Li-Ion 2100 mAh	Li-Ion 1800 mAh

Design and Display

The Samsung Galaxy S3 and ZTE Era both offer sleek and stylish designs, but with some notable differences. The Galaxy S3 features a 4.8-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, providing vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. On the other hand, the ZTE Era comes with a slightly smaller 4.5-inch IPS LCD display with the same resolution, offering good color reproduction and sharpness.

In terms of build quality, the Galaxy S3 boasts a plastic body with a glossy finish, while the ZTE Era sports a more premium feel with its aluminum frame. Both devices have physical home buttons, but the Galaxy S3 also includes capacitive touch buttons for navigation.

Overall, the Galaxy S3's larger display and Super AMOLED technology give it a slight edge in terms of visual experience, but the ZTE Era's aluminum frame adds a touch of elegance to its design.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S3 and ZTE Era offer different hardware configurations. The Galaxy S3 is powered by a quad-core Exynos 4412 processor clocked at 1.4 GHz, coupled with 1GB of RAM. This combination delivers smooth multitasking and snappy performance for most tasks.

On the other hand, the ZTE Era features a dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor clocked at 1.3 GHz, paired with 1GB of RAM. While the Era's processor is slightly slower, it still provides decent performance for everyday use and casual gaming.

Both devices offer expandable storage options, with the Galaxy S3 supporting microSD cards up to 64GB and the ZTE Era supporting microSD cards up to 32GB. Additionally, the Galaxy S3 comes in various storage capacities, including 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB, while the ZTE Era only offers 8GB of internal storage.

In terms of battery life, the Galaxy S3 packs a 2100mAh battery, which provides a full day of usage with moderate use. The ZTE Era, on the other hand, comes with a slightly smaller 1800mAh battery, which may require more frequent charging.

While the Galaxy S3's superior processor and expandable storage options give it an advantage in terms of performance, the ZTE Era still offers decent performance and expandable storage for its price range.

Camera and Imaging

Both the Samsung Galaxy S3 and ZTE Era come equipped with capable cameras, but with some differences in terms of specifications and features. The Galaxy S3 boasts an 8-megapixel rear camera with autofocus, LED flash, and the ability to record Full HD 1080p videos. It also includes a 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera for video calls and selfies.

On the other hand, the ZTE Era features an 8-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, but it can only record videos in 720p HD resolution. It also includes a 0.3-megapixel front-facing camera, which is lower in resolution compared to the Galaxy S3.

Both devices offer various camera features such as panorama mode, face detection, and HDR. However, the Galaxy S3 includes additional features like burst mode, smile detection, and simultaneous HD video and image recording.

In terms of image quality, the Galaxy S3's camera produces sharper and more detailed photos, especially in well-lit conditions. The ZTE Era's camera, while capable, may struggle in low-light situations and produce slightly softer images.

Overall, the Galaxy S3's superior camera capabilities and additional features make it a better choice for photography enthusiasts, while the ZTE Era's camera is still capable of capturing decent photos for everyday use.

Software and User Interface

Both the Samsung Galaxy S3 and ZTE Era run on the Android operating system, but with different versions and user interfaces. The Galaxy S3 originally launched with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and received updates up to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. It features Samsung's TouchWiz user interface, which provides a range of customization options and additional features.

The ZTE Era, on the other hand, runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and does not receive any official updates beyond that version. It features ZTE's own user interface, which offers a simpler and more stock Android-like experience.

While the Galaxy S3's TouchWiz interface may offer more features and customization options, it can sometimes feel bloated and slow down the device. The ZTE Era's stock-like interface, although lacking in additional features, provides a smoother and more lightweight user experience.

Additionally, the Galaxy S3 benefits from Samsung's ecosystem of apps and services, including Samsung Pay, Bixby, and Samsung Health. The ZTE Era, being a less popular device, does not have the same level of support and ecosystem.

In conclusion, the Galaxy S3's more feature-rich user interface and access to Samsung's ecosystem give it an advantage in terms of software, but the ZTE Era's stock-like interface provides a cleaner and smoother user experience.

Price and Availability

When it comes to price and availability, the Samsung Galaxy S3 and ZTE Era may differ depending on the market and time of purchase. The Galaxy S3, being a flagship device, was initially priced higher than the ZTE Era. However, as it is an older model, it is now available at a more affordable price point.

The ZTE Era, being a mid-range device, was originally positioned as a more budget-friendly option. However, its availability may be limited compared to the Galaxy S3, especially in certain regions.

It is worth noting that both devices are no longer officially supported by their respective manufacturers, meaning they may not receive future software updates or security patches. This can be a consideration for those looking for long-term support and compatibility with the latest apps and features.

In terms of value for money, the Galaxy S3's lower price and availability make it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartphone. However, the ZTE Era's lower initial price may still appeal to budget-conscious consumers.

Ultimately, the choice between the Samsung Galaxy S3 and ZTE Era will depend on individual preferences, budget, and availability in the market.