Samsung Galaxy S3 U.S Pre-orders Hit Amazon with Hefty Price Tag

Samsung Galaxy S3 enthusiasts in the U.S, who don't want to wait until the summer for the phone's release, can buy the unlocked international version of the phone from Amazon for $800.

The 16GB SIM-free version of the phone is available for preorder on Amazon and it will be released on June 1, according to the site.

The downside of purchasing the international version is that it will not come with 4G LTE connectivity. The international model will only be able to connect to AT&T's HSPA+ network and on T-Mobile users will be able to make calls, but won't be able to connect to the data package. On Verizon and Sprint networks, the phone will not work at all, according to PC World.

The international model of the Galaxy S3 is also available on Expansys for $694.99, but the site has not specified an estimated shipping time.

The S3 heralds a 4.8-inch screen, 1.4 GHz quad-core processor, voice control and face recognition. The new super amoled display is 22 percent larger than its predecessor, bringing the phone into the Galaxy Note's phone/tablet hybrid category.

Samsung has launched a face recognition feature on its latest phone in an effort to the make the smartphone experience more natural. The phone uses its front camera to identify the user's eye movement and ensures it never goes dark or switches off, while the user is looking at the phone.

Samsung has also improved its voice control feature with a sophisticated, Siri-like voice recognition system dubbed S voice. The service allows users to make verbal demands to control their phone. Texts and emails can be dictated and photographs can be taken through voice commands using the feature.

The S3 also includes an NFC chip, which enables content sharing --including video-- through tapping two phones together. The chip can also be used to make mobile payments.

The new Pop up Play feature on the phone enables multitasking, allowing users to open a video in a window on screen, and then use other apps with the rest of the screen.

The Samsung S3 will first become available in Europe at the end of May, followed by launches in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The 4G version of the phone will go on sale in the U.S and South Korea during the summer.

Specs

Screen size: 4.8 inch Processor: 1.4 Ghz quad-core
Memory size: Up to 32gb (+64gb with card)
Operating system: Android Ice Cream Sandwich Camera: Eight megapixel
Weight: 133 grams
Dimensions: Height - 136mm
Width - 70mm
Depth - 8.5mm
Battery: 2100mAh