Samsung Galaxy S III (32GB - pebble blue, Verizon Wireless)

Pros: 1) Lightweight without feeling cheap.

2) Awesome video performance, great display and processor.

3) Excellent multi-tasking and memory management.

4) Camera includes HDR (high dynamic range) imaging and face recognition/tagging.

Cons: 1) Aggressive power management and predictive text can be annoying.

2) Microphone and speaker performance.

3) Average voice quality for phone calls.

4) Not designed for those with presbyopia (over 40 eyesight).

Summary: This is a huge and welcomed leap in power and functionality from my original Motorola Droid but it will take some getting used to! The physical and software buttons are now in different positions. The Setup Wizard automatically downloaded all of my old Android apps which are not needed for this phone (functions now built-in with Ice Cream Sandwich).

The Galaxy S III is lightweight without feeling cheap. It has awesome video performance, great display and processor, excellent multi-tasking and memory management. You can easily switch between previous browser sessions and apps or close them all. The front and rear cameras include HDR (high dynamic range) imaging and face recognition/tagging. There are lots of cool widgets; the included bloatware can be disabled. It seamlessly syncs with Google, Facebook, and other WiFi computers.

Aggressive power management and predictive text can be annoying. However, both can be disabled. Battery life is an issue. You must be very close to the mic for voice recognition to work, and then it can dictate emails and commands. The voice quality for phone calls is average. Speaker volume is inconsistent between sessions--often too low when listening to news apps at the highest setting. Other times the volume is fine.

This phone is not designed for those with presbyopia (over 40 eyesight). Title bar icons are tiny; fonts small; included wallpaper options are too light (lack contrast); included ringtones are odd. The browser does not adjust to simplified mobile web pages (doesn't wrap text when zooming in for easier reading). Best to download specific mobile reader apps for each site instead. It does include optional settings for accessibility (vision and hearing).

A carrying case is not included. The black shell/holster (sold separately) entirely covers the pebble blue body making color pointless. The multimedia dock and windshield mount (also sold separately) allow plenty of room for a wrap-around case. However, none of these three accessories securely grips the phone.

I'm very glad that I pre-ordered this phone to keep my unlimited data plan with Verizon (a grandfathered option--no longer available on 4G phones).