Samsung Galaxy S3: Your ultimate guide

Features Marin Perez 16:47, Jan 14 2013

We offer tips, tricks and hacks for your Samsung Galaxy S3

The Galaxy S lineup has sold over 100 million units and with more than 30 million of those being Galaxy S3 smartphones, it's clear that a lot of you have one. In this post, we'll give you a one-stop shop for getting the most out of your device with how-tos, app lists and tips and tricks.

If you're reading this post, you probably already have one but feel free to read our reviews of the Galaxy S3 for Verizon and AT&T. Our takeaway? Basically, we love the Galaxy S3 and think this is the best Android phone around and it gives the iPhone a good run for its money as the best phone around.

How to

The Samsung Galaxy S3 is quite easy to pick up and use but it can always be helpful to have a few things spelled out for you. In our User Guide section, you can find thing like:

For more how-to information on the Samsung Galaxy S3, please visit the Galaxy S3 User Guide section.

Now that you've mastered the basics of the Samsung Galaxy S3, you're ready to move on to some more advanced tips and tricks. We've rounded up 30 Tips and Tricks for you and these include:

Set data limit: The Samsung Galaxy S3 is great for browsing the web but some of you may be nearing your data limit for the month. In order to set up data limit notifications, go into Settings, tap Data usage and then check the box which says "Set mobile data limit." Once you've checked this, you can set the data limit on the graph below by sliding the limit bar up or down.
Turn on Motion controls: The Samsung Galaxy S3 offers a variety of motion controls that enable you to use gestures to control the phone. Instead of going through each one, we'll point you to the list of them. Go into your phone's Settings, tap Motion and then check the Motion box.
Use AllShare Play: The Samsung AllShare Play lets you use DLNA to "automagically" transmit content from your Galaxy S3 to other devices like a television or a computer. You have to sign up for an AllShare account but once you do, launch the AllShare Play app and then follow the on-screen instructions for adding other devices or for utilizing web storage.
Turn on HDR or Panorama: You can set a variety of shooting options on the Galaxy S3. To turn on things like HDR or Panorama, open up the Camera app and then tap on the Shooting mode button. From there, you'll be able to choose from Single shot, Burst shot, HDR, Smile shot, Beauty, Panorama, Cartoon, Share shot and Buddy photo share.
Install apps from non-Play Store: The Google Play Store is a great way to add apps but so is the Amazon Appstore or GetJar. To install apps from third-party markets on the Galaxy S3, go into Settings, tap Security and then check the "Unknown sources" box. This does come with some security risks, so be sure you want to do this.

To find more advanced hacks for the Galaxy S3, please read 30 Tips and Tricks for the Samsung Galaxy S3.

Of course, the Galaxy S3 gets better when you add some new apps, so we've included some of our favorite in this post. This includes apps like Pinterest, Paper Camera, Pocket and more.

Read our favorite apps for the Galaxy S3.

Ok, now you should have your Galaxy S3 mastered and filled with apps but I'm sure we could have missed something. Be sure to let us know on Facebook and Twitter (@knowyourcell). We also have a fresh new commenting system, to feel free to chime in here and let us know your thoughts or questions.