We saw an early look at Samsung's two new Note handsets this morning, and now they're official. Say hello to the Note 4 and Note Edge. Both devices are basically identical, save for the Edge's little side window curved display...thing.
- 2.7GHz Quad-Core processor or 1.9GHz Octa-Core processor depending on location
- 3GB RAM
- 32GB internal storage, microSD card slot
- 16MP rear camera with "smart OIS" / 3.7MP f1.9 front camera
- Android 4.4
The Note 4 has a 5.7-inch 2560x1440 Super AMOLED display and 3,220 mAh battery, while the Note Edge sports a 5.6-inch 2560x1440 + 160 Super AMOLED panel and 3,000 mAh battery. Both devices also feature fast charging, which can bump the battery from zero to fifty percent in just half an hour. I dig it.
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Note 4
Samsung went on and on at its Unpacked event today in Berlin about all the new stuff in Note 4, which includes a revamped S Pen and a slew of new software features for it, the overall design of the devices, enhanced multitasking, the improved camera (which also has several new software features), and a lot more. The presentation was actually a bit sporadic and there was a lot of information to take in.
Note Edge
Note Edge images via Samsung Tomorrow
Then there's the Note Edge and its curved display. Honestly, it reminds me a lot of the Samsung Continuum from back in the day. Really, the idea is the same: the curved portion actually works as a smaller, ticker-like display that can be activated independently of the primary display. Samsung is trying really hard to show some utility here, as it has moved the app dock from the home screen to the Edge screen, which is also where notifications will display. I'm not convinced that this is a winning idea just yet, but will reserve judgment till I actually see it in person. Hopefully it works better than the Continuum did. It probably will, as I'm not sure it could get much worse.
Anyway, Note 4 is slated for October release with Edge coming "later this year," though pricing and carrier availability wasn't announced. I'm sure we'll hear a lot more info about Note 4 and Note Edge in the coming weeks.
Update: All four major US carriers have confirmed they will carry the Note 4 and Note Edge, and US Cellular will carry the Note 4.
Samsung Introduces the Latest in its Iconic Note Series - The Galaxy Note 4, and Showcases Next Generation Display with Galaxy Note Edge
Offering a new dimension to Samsung’s unique Note culture, the Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge strengthen Samsung’s category leadership with the most progressive mobile devices on the market
Berlin, Germany – September 3, 2014 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the expansion of its flagship Galaxy Note series with the new Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge. Blending an evolved S Pen with a superior viewing experience, the Galaxy Note 4 provides users with the most unique and powerful mobile experience on the market.
“The Galaxy Note series signaled extraordinary innovation within the technology industry. Its larger screen size and iconic S Pen technology launched a new standard in smartphone culture,” said JK Shin, CEO and Head of IT & Mobile Communication at Samsung Electronics. “With the introduction of the Galaxy Note series, we brought the age-old culture of the pen and notepad into the digital world. The new Galaxy Note 4 introduces the most refined Note experience to-date by combining all the latest technology that users expect from the Galaxy series.”
Powerful Performance that Matters the Most to You
The Galaxy Note 4 embraces Samsung’s heritage of an unrivaled Galaxy mobile experience. Its extraordinary 5.7-inch Quad HD (2560x1440) Super AMOLED display reproduces clearer and more vivid images with deep contrast, better viewing angles, and response times as fast as a millionth of a second, providing a tremendous viewing experience.
Due to its large screen, the refined Multi Window feature is able to maximize the user’s experience providing them with the key to easier multi-tasking. Users can choose how they access their applications with full, split or pop-up screens, and easily change the size and positioning of apps on the screen with one intuitive swipe.
The Galaxy Note 4 also sports an advanced camera system that is able to reproduce brighter and clearer images. The device is equipped with a 16 megapixel rear-facing camera featuring a Smart Optical Image Stabilizer that counter-balances camera shake and automatically extends exposure time in dark settings. In addition, a 3.7 megapixel front-facing camera with f1.9 offers a default 90 degree shooting angle and up to 120 degree wide angle so users can take the best group shots with friends.
The Galaxy Note 4‘s wide selection of enhanced essential features enable users to get even more from their mobile device. With the Fast Charging feature and Ultra Power Saving Mode, the Galaxy Note 4 charges faster and ensures that users don’t run out of power when they need it most. The Galaxy Note 4 comes equipped with multiple microphones and an improved speaker phone for better noise cancellation when speaking in loud environments. A built-in Voice Recorder offers eight different directional voice tagging and a selective playback capability that allows users to isolate and listen to specific voices in a group conversation.
The Galaxy Note 4 also offers an improved Fingerprint Scanner, to secure personal data and the world’s first UV sensor in a mobile device.
S Pen and S Note for Everyday Tasks
Making everyday tasks much faster and easier, the Galaxy Note 4’s S Pen has been specifically evolved to serve as the primary tool that users go to for common, everyday mobile device use. This new S Pen offers a much more authentic pen experience, with a more natural brush effect that perfectly emulates writing on paper with a fountain or calligraphy pen. The S Pen also introduces a more user-friendly Air Command functionality along with other intuitive features such as Action Memo, Screen Write, Image Clip and Smart Select that allows users to create and collect content with ease. A new Smart Select feature enables users to easily piece together content from different origins, and share it with ease.
The Galaxy Note 4 also provides users with a choice of multiple, seamless note-taking methods integrated with Samsung’s S Note application that allows everyday tasks to get done faster and more easily. In addition to typing and writing, the innovative Snap Note feature allows users to take a picture of their notes on a paper or a classroom board, and then quickly and easily convert to an S Note. They can also further unleash their creativity by jotting down their thoughts quickly with Voice Memo.
Premium Yet Functional Design
The Galaxy Note 4 introduces a new sleek and stylish Galaxy design language. The device features a premium metal frame with fluid curvature that seamlessly blends with the device display. The Galaxy Note 4’s 2.5D glass screen, inherited from the Galaxy S3, offers extra protection while perfectly complementing the device’s rich viewing experience. A soft-textured back cover provides incredible comfort that makes it easy to control with one hand. The device not only looks beautiful, but offers a superior grip and enhanced durability.
Introducing Galaxy Note Edge
Samsung’s relentless pursuit of the best in innovation through the optimization of mobile technology and the user experience has led to the debut of the innovative and unique Galaxy Note Edge. Taking the Galaxy Note experience to the next level, the Note Edge provides users with a new way to access information, engage with their mobile device, and express their personality and tastes. The Galaxy Note Edge’s unique curved Edge screen provides quick access to frequently used apps, alerts and device functionality – even when the cover is closed – all with the swipe of a thumb. Users can also receive notifications directly on the Edge Screen while watching videos without disturbing their viewing.
The Galaxy Note 4 will be available in "Charcoal Black," "Frost White," "Bronze Gold,” and “Blossom Pink” in global markets starting in October and the Galaxy Note Edge will be available in “Charcoal Black” and “Frost White” in select markets through Samsung’s retail channels, e-commerce and carriers later this year.
Full details and product images are available at www.samsungmobilepress.com.