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.
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!
