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