Why you can trust TechRadar
Moto G
When it comes to budget devices there is one go to device, and right now that device has to be the Moto G. There is very little doubt that this smashed many bars when it was released, and must have left many manufacturers reeling at just what can be achieved at such a low price point.
The Motorola device comes with a number of perks that make it more desirable than the S3. The smaller screen still looks amazing, the quad-core processor gives the Samsung a run for its money and it even comes with stock Android 4.4 on board.
It might seem like a little point but if you're looking to sign up to a two year contract I can imagine it being a massive drag using software that is already a year old. With Android L right around the corner, the Galaxy S3 might get lucky but I wouldn't be my life savings on it.
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
If you're looking for a high-powered Android handset with a smaller screen, there can only really be one winner. The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact really is an awesome device.
Its high-powered insides and massive camera offer just about everything of a full sized flagship but at a much more finger friendly sizing.
This really highlights the age of the Galaxy S3, which at the time launched with the most impressive specs on the market. For those looking for a flagship model at a smaller size, the Sony is definitely the device of choice.
However, all this power does come at a cost, being significantly more expensive than the Galaxy S3 on both contract and on SIM-free deals.
Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini
It might seem a little unfair to put the Galaxy S3 against a device that hasn't launched yet, but the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini could be the final nail in the coffin for the veteran flagship.
It sports a 4.5-inch 720p display, 1.4GHz quad-core chip, 1.5GB of RAM, 8MP rear camera, 2.1MP front snapper, dust- and water resistant body, fingerprint scanner and Android 4.4 KitKat.
That's a decent level of specs and it means the Galaxy S5 Mini overshadows the Galaxy S3, although it is more expensive.
Gareth has been part of the consumer technology world in a career spanning three decades. He started life as a staff writer on the fledgling TechRadar, and has grown with the site (primarily as phones, tablets and wearables editor) until becoming Global Editor in Chief in 2018. Gareth has written over 4,000 articles for TechRadar, has contributed expert insight to a number of other publications, chaired panels on zeitgeist technologies, presented at the Gadget Show Live as well as representing the brand on TV and radio for multiple channels including Sky, BBC, ITV and Al-Jazeera. Passionate about fitness, he can bore anyone rigid about stress management, sleep tracking, heart rate variance as well as bemoaning something about the latest iPhone, Galaxy or OLED TV.