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10 Great Galaxy Note 4 Accessories

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The best Samsung Galaxy Note 4 accessories are the ones that add more productivity and value to the device without being very expensive and making it bulkier and harder to use. We’ve made a list of 10 great Galaxy Note 4 accessories after we’ve used the device for some time at work, on the road and at home.

1. Samsung Galaxy Gear Fit

samsung-galaxy-gear-fit

Image source: clove.co.uk

The Galaxy Gear Fit is the slimmest watch of the Galaxy Gear series. The smartwatch allows the user to track the heart rate and quickly react to notifications. You can customize the look of the Galaxy Gear Fit, which makes it more personalized. The Galaxy Gear Fit paired with the Galaxy Note 4 will help you with your fitness goals and aid you in losing some weight.

Because the device is a year old, you will probably be able to find all sorts of discounts for it.

Pros

– Dustproof and waterproof

– It measures hear rate

– Give real time coaching

– Very light

– Works with numerous Samsung devices

Cons

– The orientation of the display is a bit limiting

– Past a certain depth, the device is not waterproof

– Not shockproof

– Screen is a tad sensitive and it automatically turns on by accident

– Short battery life

Price: $159.95

2. Targus Universal Foldable Keyboard

targus-universal-foldable-keyboard

Image source: gottabemobile.com

Targus makes a great universal keyboard designed to work with Android devices. The foldable keyboard also works with the Galaxy Note 4. If you ever need to use your device as a laptop, the keyboard will allow you to do so. The Targus keyboard is a foldable full sized keyboard and a must have accessory for all business executives, travelers and writers.

Pros

– Good brand

– Foldable

– Affordable

– No need for batteries

– The case can be used as a stand

Cons

– You may need to buy another stand

– A power pack may be needed to charge the keyboard on the go

– Limited options of color

– Devices that run Android 3.1 or earlier won’t work with the keyboard

– You may experience issues when charging the keyboard

Price: $35.81

3. Samsung HM1300 Bluetooth Headset

samsung-hm1300

Image source: aliimg.com

The Samsung HM1300 Bluetooth headset has a battery life of 8 hours which makes it great to use with the Galaxy Note 4, especially for people using their phone for business travels and calls. The headset also offers a standby time of 300 hours. Its design is very attractive and comes with three ear tips. This device is a great choice if you want a great affordable Samsung headset.

Pros

– Clean design

– Comes in six different colors

– You can use it with more devices

– Very light

– Great brand

Cons

– No noise reduction

– No voice commands

– Calls sometimes sound echo-y

– Audio may seem a bit quiet

– Ear piece holder may break

Price: $16.99

4. i-Blason Slim Leather Wallet

i-Blason-samsung-galaxy-note-4-leather-book-folio-wallet-case

Image source: i-blason.com

The size of the Galaxy Note 4 makes a lot of people use wallet-style cases to protect it. This case lets you store all your credit cards and ID inside it. The wallet-style case also turns into a stand you can use for video conferences. This case is perfect if you want a great all-in-one product for your Galaxy Note 4.

Pros

– The leather is vegan

– Great storage

– Also works as a stand

– Looks very professional and well-polished

– Affordable

Cons

– This sort of leather sometimes cracks or peels

– Won’t work with previous Galaxy Note smartphones

Price: $16.99

5. Jabra DRIVE In-Car Speakerphone

jabra-drive

Image source: hitechreview.com

Even though Jabra isn’t exactly a household name, this Bluetooth car speakerphone is an excellent buy because of its great features. It allows you to connect it to multiple devices which is ideal for people who have more than one smartphones. This is a great accessory if you spend a lot of time inside your car.

Pros

– Comes in different colors

– It has noise and echo canceling features

– Supports connection from multiple Bluetooth devices

– Automatic volume adjustment and pairing

– Allows you to get GPS directions without having to use your hands

– It can stream music

Cons

– Battery life depends on how you use it

– Automatically goes to sleep after 10 minutes

– You may face issues with auto-connectivity

– The microphone isn’t very sensitive

– You may have issues with the quality of calls

Price: $44.00

6. Sony MDR ZX550BN Bluetooth Headphones

sony-headphones

Image source: cloudfront.net

These headphones from Sony are perfect for frequent flyers as they have noise cancellation. On top of this, they also connect via Bluetooth so you won’t have to worry about annoying wires that get tangled in your purse or briefcase.

Pros

– Noise cancellation

– Great battery life

– Very light

– 30mm drivers

– Very comfortable

Cons

– They don’t come in a great variety of colors

– They don’t come with wall charger, only a USB cable

– Some may find them a bit uncomfortable

– Shorter battery life when noise cancellation is activated

– You may face issues when pairing them to certain devices

Price: $128.00

7. Pioneer Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Tempered Glass

pioneer-tempered-glass

Image source: wordpress.com

Of course you can use a plastic, stick-on screen protector on your Samsung Galaxy Note 4 but they only work to protect your device against small scratches and to keep grease off of the screen. A tempered glass screen protector works great against serious impacts. If you frequently use your device while you’re on a motorcycle, bike, scooter or ATV, this screen protector adds a great level of impact protection in case of an accident.

Pros

– Tempered glass

– Anti-oil coating

– Affordable

– Comes with a cleaning cloth

– 0.3 mm thick

Cons

– Can interfere with cases

– More expensive than other screen protectors

– Doesn’t cover all of the screen

Price: $9.99

8. Samsung S Pen

samsung-s-pen

Image source: trustedreviews.com

The S Pen is a great accessory for your Galaxy Note 4 and is partially responsible for making the device so much fun to use. If you lose the S Pen you are going to miss out on numerous awesome features. You can simply buy another S Pen in case something like this happens to you. While this is certainly not a very exciting accessory to have for your Note 4, it’s a very useful one.

Pros

– Especially designed for the Note 4

– Easy to use

– Enables shortcuts

– Comes with a kickstand

– Comfortable to hold

Cons

– Limited colors

– Easy to lose

– Other styli are less expensive

Price: $16.01

9. Spigen Case with Screen Protector

spigen-case-screen-protector

Image source: androidcentral.com

Spigen offers accessories that are well balanced between functionality, design and price. The Galaxy Note 4 case helps to protect the device against scratches and drops, has a great design and is very affordable. The case doesn’t add bulkiness to the device, so you will be able to hold it into your pocket comfortably. After you spend a lot of money on a great phone, you don’t want to go bankrupt after buying a case for it.

Pros

– Made from durable TPU material

– Works great against shocks

– Easy to grip

– Eco-friendly packaging

– Great screen protector

Cons

– It isn’t waterproof

– May seem a little too light

– It’s not built by Samsung

Price: $10.99

10. Verus Heavy Drop Protection Case

Verus-Heavy-Drop-Protection-Case

Image source: wiknix.com

This company makes great smartphone cases, and this Galaxy Note 4 is an example of what Verus is capable of doing. This case has an attractive hourglass shape that also makes the device easier to grip. It’s especially useful for people who are somewhat clumsy.

Pros

– Affordable

– Comes in five colors

– Slim design

– Easy to grip

– Easy to install

Cons

– It’s not waterproof

– May interfere with the fingerprint scanner

– Covers the microphone

Price: $15.99

Samsung Struggles To Return To Its Glory Days

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samsung-galaxy-s-edge

Image source: extremetech.com

The earnings report of Samsung for Q1 2015 is not a very profitable one. Even though the company did meet its expectations for the past quarter, those expectations were a lot lower in terms of revenue and profit. So it seems like Samsung struggles to return to its glory days that the South Korean company has seen in the past as this is the fourth quarter in which it saw falling earnings.

There was a serious drop from the $5 billion reported profits in Q1 2014 to the $1.8 billion now. This represents a year on year drop of 64.2 percent. Samsung didn’t discuss its expectations for 2015 on mobile sales. However, the company did say they are going to focus more in newer markets and limit tablets to low and mid-range models.

We’re not very surprised that Samsung isn’t capable of giving guidance. The company has a very unclear strategy and it isn’t very confident in its own flagship products.

It’s very well-known that Samsung’s biggest smartphones are the Galaxy Note series and the Galaxy S. The company launched its newest Galaxy Note, the Galaxy Note 4, last year in September at the IFA in Berlin. Samsung also introduced the Galaxy Note Edge then. This new device offered a bent screen that featured a ‘spine display’ that curved in the main screen. This was truly a design progress and it was a sign that Samsung was thinking about new ways to improve the interface options and form factors. This was also proof that Samsung was capable of thinking outside the box and rely less on just copying from other companies.

But that did not last.

Soon after that, Samsung revealed that the Edge was not going to be a mainstream smartphone and would only be available to a small part of the population; South Korea, to be exact.

So how can we believe that the Galaxy Note 4 is the superior smartphone when we saw with our own eyes that the Edge was more advanced and a better phablet altogether? But Samsung were too frightened to stick with the Edge.

And now the company plans to do the same thing with the S6. We believe that Samsung should commit itself to the better device, and thus the Galaxy S Edge should become the only S6 model available on the market. The digital spine should be made available to everyone. We wonder, when will Samsung announce the limited distribution of the S Edge?

Samsung’s uncertainty is demonstrated by the fact that it has two models in both its phablet model and smartphone one and it uses two operating systems: Android and Tizen. Samsung continuously fails to make a decision about what it believes to be the best choice.

Samsung is still a follower in terms of hardware. The South Korean company was able to make three great devices in the past years (The Note, the Galaxy S and the Tab) but since then did very little to distance itself from the original formula. Anything we’ve seen different on the new devices has already been launched by some other company before them.

The company is relying only on the push from its previous sales and market position to get profit and revenue, instead of pushing forward and finding its own way. This can’t last forever and the numbers are living proof of that.

All in all, has Samsung ever decide about something on its own?

7 Best Smartphones Worth Buying in 2015

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This is our review of the best smartphones currently on market. Keep in mind that these are the opinions of people who use them; we just made a list of the most common positive and negative aspects about these devices.

We made this list in order to give you some information about smartphones before deciding which one to buy.

1. HTC One M8

htc-one-m8

Image source: htc.com

In our research, most people have rated this device with a 4 or a 5 out of a possible 5. The result, therefore, is averaged at 4.5. This smartphone performs amazingly well in some areas such as design but not so great in others such as the resolution of the camera.

One of the first things that come to mind when you see the M8 is that it’s extremely beautiful and has a solid and great metal casing. This is one of the reasons it is appreciated by its users and is what makes this smartphone stand out from the crowd.

The M8’s battery life is said to be better than the previous generation and most people who use the device seem to be happy with it even though there are some people that say the battery life could have been even better. Almost everyone is happy with the specs of the M8, software, display and performance and users tend to believe its price is quite reasonable. Another great feature is that the mobile phone supports a 128GB memory card.

The 4MP camera takes rather good pictures in darker environments and performs well with appropriate lighting. However, the low resolution is not something to be ignored and everybody agrees that it’s one of the lowest points in the M8.

The BoomSound speakers are also an important known feature of the HTC One mobile phones and it is certainly something that no other smartphone can beat at the moment. Even though almost everyone is pleased by the sound quality coming from the speakers, not all users are happy of how big they are.

Some people see the M8, however, as a step back in design quality from the M7 and argue that the smartphone would have been a lot better if it had more than 16GB internal storage.

2. Motorola Moto X

motorola-moto-x

Image source: geeky-gadgets.com

The Motorola Moto X has some features that make it great and was able to score 4.6 out of 5.

It seems that one of the most appreciated features of the Moto X is its rendition of Android OS that seems to be very close to stock. This helps the performance, as well. Even though the processor found in this smartphone is a little old, a lot of people are happy with its performance and how the smartphone can handle almost everything without any form of lag.

Another appreciated fact about the Moto X is its design and how comfortable it is in the hand. Because it has a 4.7 inch screen, the Moto X can be held without problems in just one hand and people also seem to like the AMOLED display.

Even though the Moto X was pretty expensive when it came out last year, this year the device can be pretty affordable.

The quality of the camera, however, seems to be the biggest problem, according to users of the Moto X. The camera that is found on the Moto X is not the same quality as the cameras found on different competitors. Also, the battery life seems to be a little disappointing and another downside is the fact that the device doesn’t support microSD and doesn’t have much storage space.

Some users from certain countries also criticized that the Moto Maker isn’t available in their locations.

3. LG G3

lg-g3

Image source: ndtv.com

Even though it didn’t score as high as others, the LG G3 is still a pretty important smartphone. The LG G3 scored 4.3 out of 5. Even though the phone is appreciated in most of the cases, it does have some quirks that some people do not enjoy.

One of the most talked about features of the LG G3 is its display of 1440p which looks amazing. People who own the device also seem to be happy about the performance and specs of the LG G3. Many users seem to like the phone’s design and describe it as being compact as the device has very thin bezels. The camera also seems to be good although there are certain issues affecting it also.

The biggest complaint regarding the G3 is its battery life. The resolution of the display in combination with the GPU that sometimes can’t really handle it very efficiently makes the battery life quite short. The resolution of the display seems to make many complain that the device gets rather hot when watching videos or playing games.

The camera doesn’t snap great quality photos in darker environments and one other flaw seems to be the fact that it is rather slow to react. Some like the features offered on the LG G3 but some people feel they are somewhat heavy and unpolished.

4. Samsung Galaxy S5

samsung-galaxy-s5

Image source: loadthegame.com

The Samsung Galaxy S5 has received a score of 3.9 out of a possible 5. This seems to be one of the most controversial smartphones out there. Some people seem to hate the device while others seem to love a couple of features on it and hate others and some just plain love everything about it.

Most users seem to appreciate the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the display. The screen is said to work very well both outdoors and indoors. Compared to previous generations, the camera seems to have improved a lot and many people are happy that Samsung worked on it. People seem to really like that the device is waterproof, also.

However, it’s not all roses and one of the most complained about feature is the interface called TouchWiz. People also seem to be unhappy with the software Samsung decided to cram into the device as it really slows the smartphone down, even though the Samsung Galaxy S5 had some of the best specs when it initially launched. The software may also lead the device to overheat even when used just for the basic things. Also, some of the Galaxy S5’s features don’t work as they are intended to such as the fingerprint scanner and IR blaster.

Some users really like the design of the Samsung Galaxy S5 but some think the design is quite boring and old.

5. Samsung Galaxy Note 4

samsung-galaxy-note-4

Image source: cbsistatic.com

The Samsung Galaxy Notes are usually well received and the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 got a score of 4.5 out of 5.

The most important Note 4 features are the display that boasts a quad-HD resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 and is Super AMOLED, the S Pen and great performance. Owners of the Note 4 claim that the S Pen is more natural to use and better than the one found on previous generations.

Cameras found on Samsung smartphones are good most of the times but it look like Samsung outdid themselves with the Note 4 camera. Most users were surprised with the quality of the camera which makes the gap between DSLRs and smartphone cameras seem a lot smaller. The battery life is also great with some users reporting that it even lasts for a couple of days when the device is moderately used.

Even though Samsung smartphones don’t have the best build materials some users say that the Note 4 is a lot better than previous generations.

The biggest down point of the device is the interface known as TouchWiz which has been described as being heavy. The Note 4 also comes with a lot of preinstalled software that eat up both storage space and RAM. Some users wish that Samsung would have put 64GB of storage in their phablet so they would have more space for apps. The 4K recordings the device is capable of doing can also fill pretty fast the internal storage on the device.

Another low point is the price of the device but users are willing to pay the extra money for the device.

6. iPhone 6

iphone-6

Image source: wordpress.com

Even though it’s probably the most known smartphone in the world and is produced by one of the most important tech company the iPhone 6 only received a score of 3.3 out of 5. Some people love the device because of how easy the iPhone 6 can be used and some people hate it because it doesn’t have very powerful features.

The most important point in favor of the smartphone is the camera. The camera was already great in previous generations but Apple outdid itself with the camera found in the iPhone 6. Many users love the quality of the screen and how well the device performs. The Touch ID also seems to be one of the best features on the device not just because it is a great fingerprint scanner but because it does what it’s built to do, when compared with other such devices that have the same feature. The design of the iPhone 6 seems to have gone down a little since the 5s but the device feels great in the hand and is very thin.

Many users don’t enjoy the restriction Apple imposes on its devices and because they are forced into using iTunes, software that is hated universally. As for hardware, the iPhone 6 doesn’t really lack but some people are disappointed and angry that Apple still decided to put only 1GB of RAM in the smartphone.

The camera protrusion from the rest of the body is also an annoyance for many users, despite the phone looking quite good. Some users also say that the battery life could be better and others wish the iPhone 6, like the iPhone 6 plus would have optical image stabilization and a 1080p display.

7. iPhone 6 Plus

iphone-6-plus

Image source: engadget.com

The iPhone 6 Plus received an even lower score than its brother, of just 3.2 out of 5. The main reason for this seems to be its size.

The favorite features found on the iPhone 6 Plus are the camera, how slim the device is, a wide variety of apps to choose from, the slow motion video capabilities and the performance of the CPU. The optical image stabilization also seems to be appreciated by the users of the smartphone as well as the 1080p display.

Many issues still plague the device, however, such as the bugs in iOS 8, a very limited app store and restricted functionality. The biggest problem with the device seems to be the size which many people have said that makes the device really uncomfortable to hold. It could have been easier to hold if Apple would have put smaller bezels on the iPhone 6 Plus. Some users dislike the fact that Apple uses its proprietary hardware and software and hate the charger for not being standard.

There you have it. This was our list of the best smartphones out there. We hope we helped you in making a decision of which smartphone to buy.

Galaxy Note 4 vs. Samsung Galaxy Note Edge: Features, Price, Camera Comparison

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Samsung has always had an innovative vision of the electronic future. In September, the company announced a couple of new products. While they emphasized on the new features of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, they also revealed a revolutionary new phablet, the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge, which would become available in limited edition. The Samsung Galaxy Note 4, was released to the public starting with October.

At the moment it is available with most U.S. and European carriers. The Note Edge was released on 14 November for most U.S. carriers and it is expected to become available in Europe and Australia starting with November 28.

The defining standard for high-end smart-phones is excellent display quality, performance and power. Samsung’s devices have always benefited from top-notch components. With the Galaxy Note series, Samsung has established a new segment on the market, that of 5-inch screen phones. These gadgets are designed to offer a more enjoyable experience for browsing, texting and multimedia apps. The Note 3 from Samsung was extremely successful, and we are confident that the Samsung Note 4 and Note Edge will be equally appreciated by the public.

Galaxy-Note-4

The Note 4 and Note Edge do not disappoint. As a matter of fact, they have very similar specs. The main difference between the two is this: while the Samsung Note 4 preserves the traditional appearance of smart-phones, the Note edge has a bent and wrap-around screen with a quick access menu for notifications and apps. We would like to take a closer look at these devices, and compare their main feature. In order to do this, we will first compare their specs, then analyze each device separately.

Samsung Explains its Choice of Design

The first thing you will notice about the Note edge is the fact that it’s an unusual device. The wrap-around screen has been the subject of much heated debate. Many specialists argued that it would shatter quickly, or that the shortcut bar wasn’t reason enough to adopt this design. Samsung has always been the ‘luck of the draw’ type of company. They were not afraid to experiment with unusual designs which they were not 100% would be successful. On the other side of the barricade, Apple is waiting to jump on the bandwagon. We wouldn’t be surprised if Apple would also adopt a wrap-around screen if the Note Edge becomes successful.

Samsung has actually shed some light on its design choices:

It was a matter of the overall design concept of the Galaxy Note 4. If its predecessor was about being ‘classic’, the Galaxy Note 4 is more about being ‘modern sleek’ with an emphasis on the urban vibe. With the implementation of metal frame with diamond cuts, the designers wanted to take a more simple approach which aligns with the ‘modern sleek’ design concept. Therefore, the Galaxy Note 4 has fewer decorative design factors, and the stitch on the back was one of them.

Specification Comparison for the Note 4 and Note Edge

 

General  Samsung Note 4 Samsung Note Edge
Alternate names
Dimensions (mm) 153.50 x 78.60 x 8.50 151.30 x 82.40 x 8.30
Weight (g) 176.00 174.00
Battery capacity (mAh) 3220 3000
Removable battery Yes No
SAR value NA NA

Display
Screen size (inches) 5.70 5.60
Touchscreen type Capacitive Capacitive
Resolution 1440×2560 pixels 1440×2560 pixels
PPI 515 NA
Colors 16M 16M

Hardware
Processor 2.7GHz  quad-core 2.7GHz   quad-core
Processor make Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 Qualcomm Snapdragon 805
RAM 3GB 3GB
Internal storage 32GB 32GB
Expandable storage type microSD – 64 GB microSD – 64 GB

Camera
Rear camera 16-megapixel 16-megapixel
Flash Yes Yes
Front camera 3.7-megapixel 3.7-megapixel

Software
Operating System Android 4.4 Android 4.4
Java support Yes Yes
Browser supports Flash No Yes

Connectivity
Wi-Fi standards supported 802.11 a/ b/ g/ n/ ac 802.11 a/ b/ g/ n/ ac
GPS Yes Yes
Bluetooth Yes, v 4.10 Yes, v 4.10
NFC Yes Yes
Infrared Yes Yes
DLNA No No
Wi-Fi Direct Yes No
MHL Out Yes Yes
HDMI No No
Headphones 3.5mm 3.5mm
FM No No
USB Micro-USB Micro-USB
Charging via Micro-USB Yes Yes
Proprietary charging connector No No
Proprietary data connector No No
Number of SIMs 1 1
SIM Type Micro-SIM Micro-SIM
GSM/ CDMA GSM GSM
3G Yes Yes

Sensors
Compass/ Magnetometer Yes Yes
Proximity sensor Yes Yes
Accelerometer Yes Yes
Ambient light sensor Yes Yes
Gyroscope Yes Yes
Barometer Yes Yes
Temperature sensor No No

 

1. Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 perfectly embodies the design and performance philosophies of Samsung Galaxy Alpha. This means that it has a metallic frame around the screen, and a durable plastic casing on the back, which should ensure perfect adherence with the hands. Surprisingly enough, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is smaller than the Note 3 because its frame was downsized but the screen remained at the same size: 5.7-inches.

You are probably already familiar with the SuperAMOLED technology, but you will be happy to know that the new Samsung has a QHD 2560×1440 pixel resolution. Pixel-per-inch density for the screen is 515. Like all high-end Samsung smart-phones, the Note 4 is equipped with 2.5 D Gorilla Glass 3. This means that it has slightly bent edges that ensure proper usability. Irrespective of model, the Note 4 phablet will have 3GB of RAM and 32 GB internal memory storage. In other words, Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 is more than equipped to handle any type of Android content and multimedia app.note-4-review-3-534x620

As far as hardware is concerned, there are two models available for the Galaxy Note. One of them has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 Chipset with a quad-core Krait 450, 2.7 Ghz processor and Adreno 420 graphics. The second option comes with an Exynos 5433 which benefits from 2 quad-core processors: a quad-core Cortex A57 1.9Ghz processor with Mali-T760 graphics, or a quad-core Cortex A53 1.3GHz processor with Mali-T760 graphics.

The 16MP photo camera has also received an important upgrade: it now has optical image stabilization, which will ensure better image quality for dynamic subjects. It is also possible to record HD videos in 4K 2160 and 30FPS format. The funny part is that Samsung actually tweaked the front camera specifically for selfies. Enthusiasts will now enjoy a 3.7MP front-camera with improved light and special functions for selfies.

Samsung Note 4 is the perfect tool for business people, journalists and tech enthusiasts because it features many useful tools like the Snap Note, which allows you to scan, edit and email documents. You can also use the pen to write down important information. Journalists will definitely enjoy the three microphones which were designed to tone down background noise during audio recordings. Lastly, the slightly better battery version (3220 mAh) should offer at least two days of autonomy, a lot more than that of other high-end smart-phones on the market.

Is Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Worth Buying?

note-4-review-2-620x463

We would rush to say ‘yes’, but each buyers should weigh the pros and cons of such a device. The Note 4 is indeed a high-end smart-phone which promises unparalleled performance, but it will probably also come at an outrageous price (U.S. carriers are selling it for 800-1000 dollars free of contract). We strongly advise you to go hands-on with it before deciding to buy it. All in all, Samsung Note 4 lives up to the expectations imposed by its predecessor. If you aren’t willing to purchase it yet, you might want to wait for the Note 3 upgrade.

The Good: Incredible specs, beautiful design, balanced price considering its features. A perfect successor to the Note 3.

The Bad: None so far

Now let’s take a look at the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge.

2. Samsung Galaxy Note Edge Overview

Before we address the features, we have to take a closer look at the screen. Why did Samsung go for this design with its Note Edge? The most important question is why was the shortcut bar placed on the right side and not the left? Here’s what Samsung says:

The main focus of the designers was to provide the analog feeling. When flipping through the pages of a book or note, many people flip it right to left, right being the initial contact point. […] Since people generally tend to read from the left to right, the designers thought it would be the right decision to place the Edge Screen on the right side.

Galaxy-Note-Edge-main1

Consumers are still on the fence when it comes to the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge, but this is probably because the device is extremely different from what they were used to. We have played around with it, and besides the fact that it is extremely beautiful and efficient, the device is also sturdy. The soft back was a serious design consideration for the company. It appears that it will allow consumers to swap the battery between the Note 4 and Note Edge. In addition to this, the choice for leather is meant to create a smoother sensation for the handsets.

As far as hardware and specs are concerned, the Note Edge is extremely similar to the Note 4. The screen is 2560×1600 (which means 160 pixels wider than the Note 4). The bent screen increases the phablet’s width with 4mm.

Since the top-of-the-line model sports the same features as the Note 4, we would like to take a closer look at its innovative features. The first thing you should know about the Edge is the fact that it favors righties, unlike other smart-phones which work well for both categories of users.

Apps on the Side

The so-called ‘edge screen’ is home to several interesting apps. First we have your store favorite apps, which are extremely similar to the Windows Taskbar or OS X Dock. This is basically your shortcut go-to place for fast processes. You can easily place up to two app bars with 20 programs. Here are a few other interesting uses of the edge screen:

samsung-unpacked-galaxy-note-edge-6_2040_verge_super_wide

  • Displaying widgets: Much like the updates which appear on the top-left side of the screen on Android smart-phones, the edge screen is home to updates and ticker-style news from websites, emails, social networks etc.

3038441-inline-edge-apps

  • Several utilities: The note edge sports interesting tools such as a countdown timer, stopwatch, ruler, flashlight etc.
  • Streamline interfaces: you can use the edge screen to take photos (the camera’s shutter button appears tucked along the edge). Features like this open more screens pace for you.

3038441-inline-edge-camera

  • Alarm Clock & Games: you can enjoy several basic games with the edge screen. Also, if you are laying the phone flat on the nightstand it will display the time on its edge, very dimly.

3038441-inline-edgeruler

  • Social networks: the edge screen can be used to view notifications on social platforms.

3038441-inline-edgephone

The best news is that Samsung is providing third-party developers with tools that will enable them to add new features to the edge screen. This will lead to more creative uses of this innovative device.

The Good: The Galaxy Note Edge is a triumph of novel design which seamlessly incorporates an asymmetrical shape in a brand-new phablet. The specs are among the best on the market right now.

The Bad: This device is costly. It is actually among the most expensive phablets on the market right now. In addition to this, it has yet to be proven how well the gadget handles drops and shocks.

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge & Note 4: Which one should I choose?

It all boils down to personal preference. The Note edge represents a bold move for Samsung, and it might not be very well received by the public. This is the main reason why the Note 4 retains the traditional design and is expected to maintain the south-Korean producer in tops. All in all, if you are not constricted by your budget and if you do not mind larger phones (keep in mind that we are talking about phables, not smart-phones), you should definitely experiment with the Note Edge.

Once again, we urge you to go hands on with the device before deciding to buy it. The screen is the main reason why the Edge is more expensive than the Note 4 as well. We hope that this research will help you with your decision.

GalaxyNote4_3-580-90

Free Stuff for Note 4 and Note Edge Buyers:

Samsung has always offered great freebies with its premium smart-phones, and this time is no exception. The company has finally detailed its Gift package for the Note Edge and Note 4. Let’s take a look at all the cool features that you will be receiving if you decide to purchase one of the high-end Note phablets:

  • Dropbox: 50 GB of storage space for 2 years for new users free
  • Diddeo and AmpliTube LE: free unlocked features
  • Audible: 3 month subscription
  • Wall Street Journal: 6 month subscription
  • NYTimes – Breaking news: 12 week subscription
  • Bloomberg Businessweek+ : one year subscription
  • OnLine: 3 month subscription
  • SketchBook for Galaxy: free professional-grade drawing software
  • 100% Games: 3.250 free gems in Dungeon Hunter 4 game
  • Paypal: access to special deals for online stores. You can save 50$ or more
  • Life360 & Workout Trainer: 6-month subscriptions
  • Tripadvisor: exclusive functions
  • Hancom Office 2014 & ArtRage free
  • RealPlayer Clout: 6 month premium membership
  • More

Keep in mind that the offers do not come pre-installed. You will have to install them from the Samsung app store in order to activate your offers.

Galaxy Note Edge & Note 4 U.S. Prices

Both devices are available for purchase in the United States. Let’s take a look at the offers made by the most influential carries in the states:

  • S Cellular Galaxy Note price: 299.99$ on-contract, 770.16$ off-contract
  • S Cellular Galaxy Note Edge: the carrier isn’t selling the Note Edge yet
  • Verizon Galaxy Note price: 99$ on-contract, 700$ off-contract
  • Verizon Galaxy Note Edge: 99$ on-contract, 946.00$ off-contract
  • T-Mobile Galaxy Note price: 750$ off-contract
  • T-Mobile Galaxy Note Edge: 870$ off-contract
  • AT&T Galaxy Note price: 99$ on-contract, 826$ off-contract
  • AT&T Galaxy Note Edge: 99$ on-contract, 946.00$ off-contract

In conclusion, both devices are expensive but that’s to be expected considering that they sport top-of-the-line features and designs. We hope that the Edge screen will become popular and we are eager to see how the audience will receive it. Stay tuned for more information about smart-phones and phablets!

 

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