Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge: all the new features

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge are here! Samsung surprised us with not one, but two new devices at IFA 2014, and the Note Edge is the most shocking one, coming with a display that wraps around one of the edges of the device.

Both are phablets at their core, though, with around 5.7” displays (5.6” on the Note Edge) with a 1440 x 2560-pixel Quad HD resolution. Also, both are extremely powerful, with the latest Snapdragon 805 system chip on board (these are the first two devices from a known brand to feature the powerful chip). Add to that a nice 16-megapixel camera with OIS and you’ve got some truly alluring gadgets.

But what about their unique new features? Take a look down below to learn more.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge: all the new features

1. That wrap-around edge on the Note Edge comes with three main features

First, you can save battery life by just looking at your missed notification on the edge of the display, without firing the whole screen; second, you can easily see your social network and other app updates quicker and straight away; and lastly, you have additional level of control over your device with new buttons and other customizable features.

2. All new design: say goodbye to plastic, welcome a premium metal frame

The times when we used to tie Samsung with all-arounds plastic devices are finally over: that’s right, the impossible has happened, and the Note 4 and Note Edge both feature a sturdy metal frame. Not only that, Samsung has improved the feel of the physical keys that no more feel wiggly.

3. Snapdragon 805: a first

We’ve already mentioned that the Note 4 and Note Edge come with the Snapdragon 805 system chip, but did you know that it’s not only a more powerful chip running at clock speeds of as high as 2.7GHz, but also more power efficient? Another fact you might have missed is that the Note 4 and Note Edge will actually have two versions, and the second one of both will feature a different, Samsung in-house Exynos chip. The silicon in question is the 5433, an octa-core chip with four Cortex A7 cores running at the efficient 1.3GHz, and four performance Cortex A15 cores running at up to 1.9GHz.

4. Rapid charging: charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes

Samsung might have dumped the microUSB 3.0 port and exchanged it for the much better looking microUSB 2.0, but that does not mean it has sacrificed charging speeds. Thanks to Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 technology, Samsung is able to replenish the battery quickly: to 50% in just half an hour.

5. 16-megapixel camera with OIS, and a Sony IMX240 sensor

The Samsung Galaxy S5 featured an impressive 16-megapixel shooter with Samsung’s own sensor, but the Note 4 and Note Edge ditch that sensor for Sony’s IMX240. It’s also a 16-megapixel one, but features optical image stabilization that will help in low light and in videos. The sensor size is actually a bit smaller than that of the S5: 1/2.6” versus 1/2.5”, but still pretty much comparable. Interestingly, Samsung has also changed the optics, picking a wider, more light tunneling f/2.0 lens.

6. Battery life: 7% better despite Quad HD screen

Look, it’s hard to believe that practically identical 3220mAh juicer on the Note 4 can outdo the 3200mAh battery on the Note 3, with the added load of more pixels from the Quad HD display, but Samsung claims it has done this. In fact, it claims that the Note 4 will last 7% longer than its predecessor. We’re looking forward to testing those claims.

7. S Pen: better

The new S Pen has also not been overlooked and catches that refreshing breeze of innovation with better sensitivity, tracking capabilities and improved software. So what can it do? Easier multitasking with copy and pasting between apps and the option to quickly pin brief notes to your homescreen. Neat!

8. Sensor overload: UV to measure sunlight radiation, SpO2 for blood oxygenation

The UV sensor is pretty straightforward: it measures the UV radiation of the sun, and - using the S Health app - shows the UV level in your area: Low, Moderate, High, Very High or Extreme. The same app will also advise you on what to do: get some sun block or run away from the sun. There are some conditions, though: you need to hold your phone for a little while at a 60-degree angle against the sun to get an accurate reading.

Now, the blood oxygenation levels are a bit more scary and may alert you that you need medical attention. Still, the Note 4 is clearly not a medical-grade devices, so we do advise a second reading. Basically, blood oxygenation measure how capable haemoglobin is of carrying oxygen around your body.

9. Plentiful storage and expandable

Yes, the Note 4 and Note Edge both come with 32GB of internal storage even in their most basic models, plus you can expand on that storage allowance via microSD cards of up to 128GB.

10. Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge release date

So when is the goodness coming to retail shelves? We expect the Galaxy Note 4 to start arriving next month, in October, while the Note Edge might take a bit longer and come to market in the October to November timeframe. Start saving those pennies now!