I'm an Android noob and would appreciate a GIII vs N4 rundown.
GS3 has LTE, slightly bigger screen, microSD, and option for more internal storage. Plus it has a removable/expandable battery. Negatives are that it's probably more expensive with or without a contract and it has the Touchwiz software layer which does some extra functions but maybe some lag.
N4 has a brighter IPS screen and a faster processor and it's battery is internal but able to be wirelessly charged (just put it in the dock). The N4 is guaranteed to get quicker updates for a longer time.
Otherwise, those two are basically identical. Same amount of RAM, subjective differences in software. LTE or a micro SD slot can make a big difference but for it's price, the N4 is definitely the better bargain if you're buying the phone unlocked.
Lack of MicroSD support, LTE, and a non-SAMOLED screen doesn't scream "better" to me. So what am I missing? What's the big picture here?
(Other than this being a google phone with stock Jellybean, I guess)
SAMOLED has darker blacks and "poppier" colors but the IPS screen can get brighter and should look sharper since it is not pentile (more sub pixels in each pixel). The big deal about this phone is how cheap it is (it's really fucking cheap!) At the same time, it is one of the highest end phones you can buy only lagging in lack of LTE, microSD, and internal storage space.
I'll be a bit surprised if there's no US version with LTE and more internal storage. Unless Google wants to give other manufacturers some competitive ability.
I do have to say that the glass back nonsense is going to justify an extra few bucks a month in insurance. Even Apple stopped that on the iPhone 5.