I have a 4G SGS3 currently running CM12 (LOLLIPOP). I often regret not getting the LG G3 32gb during the eBay 20% off thing a month ago because on paper its way more powerful, had a higher resolution screen etc.
I'm not sure what the real question is here but I don't game on my phone, but I do use it all the time, and I consider myself a power user.
Try and talk me out of upgrading or alternativly, try and make me feel worse about not getting the G3 when I had the chance :D
Better camera? Prettier looking design? More gimmicks like fingerprint reader and more functions? If you are using something like S3, better AMOLED technology/better screen (higher brightness etc) along with higher resolution?
I was also going to suggest better upgrades, but you are using CM, so I don't think that really applies to you anymore.
If you want me to dissuade you from buying G3, I've read about issues with throttling (due to the screen), maximum brightness (due to QHD), sharpening effects, Zerogap technology meaning that a small crack on the screen means you need to replace the entire screen, and how they've used Snapdragon 801 for QHD screen. This was all from reading forums and stuff, so whether you want to take it seriously or not is up to you.
I'd probably go with devices that has 805 for something that has QHD (FHD + Snapdragon 800 was amazing, QHD is bit pushing it). I'd actually recommend something like G Pro 2 or G2 (though zerogap technology is still there) if you want a LG device.
Main reason to upgrade IMO is speed boost, screen quality and camera. My Galaxy S3 became annoyingly slow/laggy. You can still get $200-$250 on eBay for a good condition Galaxy S3 on ebay, the LG G3 would be a big upgrade and not too much out of pocket. Great screen, awesome camera and faster CPU. I don't care for games at all.
Are you perhaps still running the stock OS? Mine runs fine on CM11, just as fast as my Z3 if you ask me.
Same boat here, except with a SGS2.
What do you think about the Chinese phones that come up every now and then like this one?
I bought an Mlais M52 from Gearbest and loved it. Now I have got one for my Mum and Dad and another one of my friends. I dont think you would be able to tell the difference between one of these (<$200) and a $500+ phone from Australia.
When your phone is old and out of warranty it's a good idea to give it a new Rom and see if it makes usability any better. I know my Lg Optimus 4x was a piece of crap in stock rom and upgrading it to Cm gave it a new phone feel.. But that was pretty temporary as the battery started to wear out and I got big screen envy from watching Samsung phone reviews online..
The benefits l of having a better handset would be the quality and the power of the the phone.
I have a note 2 and with a zero lemon 9300mAh battery get 4 days heavy usage and I can't compare it worth any other phone on the market but it is definitely still got guts the power through what I put it through,even though it's a 720p screen is all good and if you compare the tech it would be in the higher end of the mid range handsets.
So I'd say longevity is also why getting a great handset is important
I had a note 2 with zero Lemon battery till I dropped it :(
better camera / screen tech n size / battery life would be about it. I went from a Nexus 4 to a G3 so I don't have the camera envy I once did. I'm happy but now get all kinds of urges to pick up a phone with better battery life, next upgrade for me will still need microSD but also quick charge 2.0 compatibility (which is a pretty good reason to upgrade imo) so maybe one of the new Moto X when they hit Ozbargain shores.
So if those things matter to you I'd wait out for the reviews on the note 5, Moto X, or even LG and Sonys next flagships (hope the SoC/battery life experience gets better) before deciding.
It all comes down to what you use the phone for… if you don't game, do you go on youtube/ browse the web often? if so, a newer phone with a larger screen would benefit you.
However, if you don't do any of those things then just keep your GS3 no point in investing in a new phone when they just get cheaper by the day. I have a Z3 stock and a GS3 with CM11, there doesn't seem to be much difference between the two phones except for the screen size and battery life. My GS3 still games just as good as my Z3 in the games.