For a few select markets, the Galaxy Note 3 becomes a reality on Sept 25 but for the rest of the world, which includes Australia, U.S. and Japan, the first few days of October marks the release date of the third-generation phablet from Samsung.

The specs and features to expect are generally known to the Android public - a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED 1080p screen with pixel density of 386ppi, an 8-core Exynos or quad-core Snapdragon 800 CPU, 3GB of RAM and the latest Android build, which in the Note 3's case is the Jelly Bean 4.3.

The form-factor was slightly revised too without adding heft. It has become a bit more boxy and the shiny back cover has been ditched in favour of leathery plate that accentuates executive feel that is true for the all the three colour options - black, white and pink.

But what separates the Note 3 from the other smartphones is the popular S-Pen, which in this build, according to Samsung, is users' direct link to easily perform multi-tasking tasks in any open window of the large-screen device.

This second flagship from Samsung seems on its way to record sales number yet before taking the deep plunge, it should be prudent to consider first the following significant details about the Note 3.

Don't rush, 2 new Note 3 versions could be coming out

It has been rumoured that Samsung will introduce cutting-edge technologies with the new phablet and some of the innovations mentioned are solid casing and durable screen cover, which in the end did not pan out.

Yet according to Gotta Be Mobile, pointing to Chosun Ibo as its source, flexible display screen could still become a reality for the Note 3. Two versions of the phablet are likely to be issued later in the year - one with a YOUM bendable screen and the other with an LCD front panel. Obviously the first build is the premium make while the second is geared for the mass-market.

While not confirmed, this new information should be enough for some Android fans to hold off their Note 3 buy for awhile.

The Note 3 is pricey but great deals are out there

With contract, the Note 3 asking price ranges from $300 to $350 for U.S. consumers. Outside of the region, the cash setback gets only higher as the handset is most available unlocked or telcos are unwilling to offer considerable subsidies.

Good thing gadget deals would be on hand to aid those looking to snap up the best bargain available for this expensive Samsung toy. Usual suspects would be Walmart, Target and Best Buy for the bricks and mortar aficionados. Or the online alternatives from Amazon, eBay and the trade-in sites like Gazelle. The latter requires some bits of click works but the price cuts to get should be worth the deal.

The accessories that really matter

By itself, the Note 3 is stand-alone product thanks to its build and materials. Screen guard is no longer a necessity as the Corning Gorilla Glass protecting the phone's front panel is sturdy enough to deflect dents or scratches. The rear cover, as mentioned, has leathery texture so no need to add another layer of guard like a jelly case.

If a case must be used, the investment should give waterproofing to justify the purchase. But what really matters are an extra battery pack and a microSD card. The former ensures that users will not run out of power juice while on the go while the latter provides additional room for the already capacious storage space issued by Samsung with the Note 3.

One can never go wrong with the extras.

So beginning this week, the continuing Apple-Samsung rivalry further heats up as the Galaxy Note 3 release date rolls out, positioning the giant gadget in direct collision course with the 4-inch iPhone 5S.