For those that found the Galaxy Note II just that bit too small Samsung has introduced the Mega. This 6.3” device (there’s also a 5.8” version) is the largest phablet we’ve seen, and really does push the limits of what could acceptably be used as a phone.

Galaxy Mega 6.3 key specs

Display: 6.3-inch (159.7mm) HD TFT (233ppi)
Processor: 1.7GHz Dual Core AP
Memory: 1.5GB RAM, 8/16GB storage
OS: Android 4.2
Camera: 8mp rear, 1.9mp front
Dimensions: 167.6 x 88 x 8.0 mm , 199g
Battery: 3200mAh
Even though the size is a step up from the Note II the specs do not make this Samsung’s new flagship phablet. The processor is fast, but only dual-core, and the 1.5GB of RAM is slightly less than we’re becoming accustomed to (although still above average).
That said, the Mega felt very responsive swiping around screens and opening apps.
The 720p display is bright and sharp, but we’d have preferred 1080p on a screen of this size. At 233ppi the pixel density is closer to that of the Galaxy S II from two years ago, rather than the 300-plus we’ve been seeing for the last year.
Unlike the Note II, the Mega does not come with the S Pen.
The Mega 6.3 is a device that is all about its size. It is ridiculously large, and essentially unusable one-handed. We didn’t get the chance to make a phone call in public on the handset, but safe to say it’s not something we’d relish doing.
The Mega is however impressively thin, at just 8mm, although is unlikely to be a device you would ever describe as truly pocketable. Its design closely resembles an enlarged S4, complete with the same textured polycarbonate casing and colour options. And despite its thinness Samsung has also been able to squeeze in a considerably larger than average 3200mAh battery.
Without the work and creative bent that the S Pen gives the Note, the Mega appears to be primarily a content consumption device. Videos look fantastic on the large display, and web browsing and eBooks are also greatly improved. It should also make for a very solid gaming device. These are also things you could say about Nexus 7. Whether the Mega 6.3 sees the phablet move too far towards the tablet, we can only find out when we review the device in full soon.
The Galaxy Mega 6.3 will be available from May.