[Galaxy S III Q&A, (US Carriers)] medic2pa:
UPDATE: cracking in Bluetooth/not with plug in speaker/headset/installed speaker

Last night contacted Samsung on Chat Tech Support. Their response was they haven't gotten anything listed yet and suggested I call back if the problem persists when data is more prevalent??? Reviewed multiple posts today on different forums. I listened to headphones via the 3.5mm jack, listened to the installed speaker, and no popping/cracking noted. Called my Corp VZ store in Ocala, FL this am and advised of situation so they would hold a 16g white GSIII for me. Arrived at 8p this evening. Had salesperson sit in my vehicle while I made several calls.

The first couple calls while connected to bluetooth there was scant noise. Then I received an incoming call that cracked/popped. The salesperson in his infinite wisdom advised me it sounded like the person was speaking too loud into their mic and that was causing feedback. (SERIOUSLY. I pay to be blonde! I'm a freaking techie! bygones..) Anyway, he said he would call level 2 tech support. After perusing my phone and it's setting I'm sure in an attempt to make sure I haven't rooted yet, which I hadn't, the Level 2 Tech support stated he didn't see any problems like this listed in the database and it's probably a lack of compatibility with the Bluetooth 4.0 and my system, so they would not replace the phone, as it's not their issue.

As my blood started to boil, again them assuming that because I'm female, I don't understand, Uggh!, I tried to control my temper and got stern advising them i've had the px for less than 48 hours. I drive 500 miles a week. I must have hands free communication and this SUCKS! I stated of course your system doesn't show the defect yet. The dang phone just came out. The salesperson witnessed the problem and blew me off. I advised him that I found the posts here on XDA and his response was "People on those forums lie about the problems they're having."

REALLY?????? Now the temper flared. I said "I may be female with blonde hair but have an advanced medical degree, am obviously more tech smart than he is, and advised him he was an idiot. (yes, I know that doesn't get anything accomplished, but it at least made me feel better.) His response was "what would you like me to do. If I give you another phone it may have the same problem." And my reply, "and IT MIGHT NOT!" Again I referred to the other listed people who have a similar issue that wasn't present on other devices. He blew me off. I told him I would have a new phone in my hands by morning and left the store.

On my long drive home I called VZ tech support on my phone, explained the above, and she advised me I had to call back on a different phone. I advised her I've already called Samsung, the factory reset didn't fix it, I'm NOT reseting it again, I unpaired and re-paired the bluetooth, the store person went through the settings already and was blown off by tech support, and that I WANTED to use the phone so she could hear the interference. She put me through to Level 2 Tech Support after she heard the interference as well. Had to explain AGAIN. Well, the tech noted my account and I should be getting a new px in the am at a different corporate store under the 14 day warranty for a new phone. Will keep you posted on the results.

Other than this bluetooth issue, the phone is awesome. Have not had any other glitches. But if this persists, it's a bust. Have to have bluetooth that works!