Not sure on the clock issue. How many widgets do you have on your screen? Is it set to update via network?
If you require a battery pull that often you either have to much going on with your phone. Like running apps, that all refresh on unlock. Or its a phone issue and insurance is needed.
My screen also takes a minute to unlock. Not sure why, a buddies at work, his phone(not Samsung) also does that. Must be a android thing. If your Gmail account already has your contacts saved, your good. Yup photos, music, miscellaneous info too if you want. You don't have to be connected to kies to reset, the option is on your phone too. But, Kies will remind you to backup if you use it. But if you remember it then your good.
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