Ultimate setup: Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Furnish your new Galaxy Note 3 with a bunch of the best accessories, from headphones to cases to docks
So you’ve shelled out the readies for a brand new Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and you’ve stuffed it full of the finest apps.
But you’re still not satisfied, are you? Things still don’t feel quite right. But fear not, friend, because we’ve scoured the web for the finest add-ons and accessories that’ll take your Note 3 experience to heady new heights.
Hard case: Spigen Case Slim Armor
If you’re a butter-fingered sort and simply must keep your Galaxy Note 3 protected from any form of impact damage, the Slim Armor case from Spigen is an affordable solution. Its double-layered construction increases its shock-absorbing capabilities, while the close fit doesn’t add much bulk to your device. It’s available in five different colour finishes.
US$30, Spigen
Samsung Qi wireless charging kit
Samsung’s official wireless charging pad comes with a replacement back cover for the Note 3, allowing you to simply place the phablet on the pad at night and have its battery magically topped up without any cable fiddling (OK, it isn’t magic: it’s due to electromagnetic fields). One warning: the replacement back cover may make the Note 3 incompatible with certain protective cases.
£80, Mobile Fun
Shure SE425 headphones
Our golden-eared colleagues at What Hi-Fi? have declared the Shure SE425s as simply the finest in-ear headphones available in their price bracket. They’re not the punchiest earbuds around when it comes to bass, but deliver astounding levels of detail and superbly solid midrange performance that more than makes up for it. Load up your Galaxy Note 3 with high-quality music files and let the SE425s do the rest.
£200, Shure
Mini Bluetooth keyboard and battery pack
Not only does this accessory add a Bluetooth-enabled, pocket-sized QWERTY keyboard to your Galaxy Note 3, it also packs a 5000mAh battery that can be used to deliver a sizeable slab of extra life to the device. For comparison, the Note 3’s built-in battery is 3200mAh, so this power pack can more than double your amount of on-the-go usage.
£25, Mobile Fun
Samsung Smart Dock
Giving the Galaxy Note 3 a major physical connectivity boost, this dock allows you to hook up the phablet to a USB keyboard or mouse, external storage devices, an HDTV or 3.5mm audio gear, all while charging its battery.
£55, Mobile Fun
Folio case: Incipio Watson
There’s no shortage of wallet-style cases for the Note 3 and its ilk, but the Watson stands out from the crowd because it actually is a wallet, sort of: it features three slots for credit cards (or credit card-sized items). The flip cover is made from leather, the interior is lined with microsuede to prevent scratches, and there’s a hard shell exterior for added protection.
£30, Mobile Fun
Samsung Galaxy Gear
As you’ll discover if you read our full review, the Samsung Galaxy Gear isn’t the smartwatch of your dreams – but it does make the ideal partner for a Galaxy Note 3. Why? Well, because the Note 3’s size makes it impractical to keep pulling out every 30 seconds to check notifications, texts and emails, and the Gear can let you keep tabs on all these things merely by glancing at your wrist. You can reply to messages using S Voice and even, if you’re brave enough to be seen barking into a watch, make phone calls.
£300, Samsung
Arcam rBlink wireless DAC
Given the Galaxy Note 3’s support for Hi-Res Audio, investing in a DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter) makes a lot of sense. And the Arcam rBlink is one of the more mobile-friendly models thanks to its support for the aptX codec, which means it can stream lossless audio (in up to 24-bit/96kHz quality) from the Note 3 totally wirelessly. Hook the rBlink up to your home hi-fi and you’ll be able to listen to the Note 3’s stunningly detailed Hi-Res Audio tracks nice and loud.
£160, Sevenoaks Sound & Vision
Sam Kieldsen
Contributor 
